A DOG from Worcester who was found malnourished and mistreated in Tenerife and brought back to the UK has been shortlisted for a prestigious national award.
Janna, a Lhasa Apso, is a Pets As Therapy (PAT) dog and is one of six finalists in a UK-wide competition to find the HiLife PAT Dog of the Year 2017.
She was brought back to the UK by Kathleen Carney who found Janna abandoned in a bush.
For the past five years Janna has been visiting schools as part of the Pets As Therapy scheme which aims to help improve confidence and literacy skills in young people.
The 14-year-old Lhasa Apso also visits nursing homes and local children’s hospices, but due to her age and a heart condition Janna has now had to reduce her busy schedule.
The winner of the award will be announced at Crufts during a presentation ceremony today (Friday) at the NEC in Birmingham.
“Once I saw the effect she had on people, I nominated her to become a PAT Dog,” Kathleen said.
“I remember one little boy who couldn’t communicate very well, he was screaming and couldn’t be calmed down, so I lay Janna down next to him to stroke her.
“The crying stopped and a great big smile came across his face. Janna didn’t leave his side until he was fast asleep,” she added.
