A dog rescued from slaughter has won the Eukanuba Friends for Life competition at Crufts.
Great connection
Miracle was saved from the meat trade in Thailand after he was photographed strangling himself as he tried to escape from the lorry he was being transported in.
The crossbreed was bought back to the UK where he became the dog and best friend to six-year-old Kyle Leask from Strathglass, Inverness.
Kyle has cerebral palsy and autism and his mum Amanda credits their special bond to the fact they have both struggled in life.
Special guy
“I believe in fate, and it feels like we saved Miracle’s life and he’s saved ours, it’s hard to describe the impact he’s made to our lives,” she said. “Miracle is a rescue dog, when he was found the people thought he was dead and to be here now, he’s such a special guy.
“I’ve had a very tough past six years, my son Kyle is autistic and suffers from cerebral palsy, and it’s been touch and go and Miracle has been such an emotional support and they have a great connection.”
Incredibly emotional
Miracle and Kyle were voted by the British public as the most deserving winners out of five shortlisted finalists. They were given a cheque for £1,500 from the Kennel Club Charitable Trust for their chosen charity.
“I feel absolutely ecstatic, it’s an unbelievable feeling and I’m slightly numb,” said Amanda. “It was quite an experience in the main arena, I tried not to focus on the crowd, I was holding back tears, it was incredibly emotional and when I was announced as the winner I didn’t know who to kiss first.”