Izzy
(Cavalier King Charles Spaniel)
Personality: Beautiful nature, my best friend
Izzy’s owner says: Izzy has been a Canine Friend Pet Therapy dog since 10 months old. She goes to the children's clinic at the hospital, plus other wards, weekly reading with children at the main library. Has 2 rest homes that she visits giving lots of cuddles to the residents. Attends group visits to education institutes
Izzy became a NZ Dogs champion gaining her challenges at shows over the country
For fun she loves the beach running and swimming meeting up with her doggy mates. Loves to meet up with her Cavalier friends from Lower North Island area at different parks.
Koto
(Weimaraner)
Personality: Happy, goofy, loving, kind, special
Koto’s owner says: Koto was born with a deformed foot, which became more painful over the last few months. He had his leg amputated recently and has bounced straight back. Nothing stops this boy from loving life to the full.
He's a therapy dog for Canine Friends and is a regular visitor to Christchurch children’s wards, and our local primary school, (he shows the kids it doesn’t matter if you're different you can still enjoy life) . He competes in obedience and scent work and is a joy to have around. He’s also raised a baby duckling. Koto loves everyone and anything and always has a goofy smile on his face. He might not be the brightest spark but certainly has emotional intelligence.
Reo
(Australian Standard Shepherd)
Personality: The cutest sock thief alive
Reo’s owner says: Why should my Aussie win? Because he's been with me through every wild, wonderful chapter of life and honestly, I wouldn't be me without him. He was born in Russia, and I imported him to the UK. We have since then we've done it all, camping trips, competing at Crufts, and eventually packing up our lives and moving across the world to New Zealand. Just the two of us.
He's my adventure buddy, my shadow, and the reason I've had the guts to do life solo. Whether we're hiking up mountains, camping, exploring new beaches, or just figuring things out far from home, he's always right there and ready for whatever's next. He makes every place feel like home and every challenge feel safe and doable. This dog is more than special, he's my anchor, my teammate, and my biggest cheerleader.
Vader
(Hungarian Vizsla, Smooth-Haired)
Personality: Playful, Loving, Energetic, Adventurous, Foodie
Vader’s owner says: Apart from being the goodest good boy, Vader is a fun loving, energetic boy. He jumps at any opportunity to go on an adventure. Equally he loves to cuddle up with you, with zero sense of personal space thinking he's a lap dog despite being nearly 30kgs!
If anyone in the family is sick/injured he's the first to give gentle kisses and standing in guard. He's recently had some surgery of his own, but that didn't stop him from giving wellness cuddles to his nana who was also recovering. Vader is the sweetest, goofiest boy who never shies away from learning something new, especially when treats are involved! Which is why I'm nominating Vader for Pawsies dog of the year.
