Five inspirational breed rescue winners unveiled at Agria Welfare Awards ceremony

The Kennel Club and Agria Pet Insurance have announced the five winners of the inaugural Agria Welfare awards, which celebrates the dedicated work of Kennel Club Breed Rescue organisations, as well as the rescue dogs under their care.

The awards, which were held for the first time at The Stratford Manor Hotel, in Stratford-upon-Avon, took place following the annual Kennel Club Breed Rescue Conference, and welcomed Breed Rescue co-ordinators, volunteers and dogs from all over the country. There were over 3,000 nominations recognising individuals and organisations who are going above and beyond for the health and welfare of breed rescue dogs, as well as nominations for the breed rescue dogs themselves that have overcome the odds.

Karen Green, Channel Team Manager at Agria said: "We are so proud to support the Kennel Club Breed Rescue Conference every year and sponsor the rescue pens at Crufts. This year we wanted to go a step further and launch the Agria Welfare Awards, celebrating the amazing work the Kennel Club breed rescues organisations do.

"With over 3,000 nominations our judges did an incredible job of choosing the three finalists in each category.  We are delighted to be able to give our Kennel Club breed rescues the recognition they deserve."

This year's winners are:

Breed Rescue of the Year – The Edward Foundation

Finalists: Border Terrier Welfare and Ridgeback Rescue.

The Edward Foundation was founded in 2011, dedicated to rescue and rehoming of Bulldogs. The judges selected the charity as the winners due to their relentless and dedicated team who are tireless in their promotion of the breed, through rescue and rehoming.

Marion Beardall, Trustee and Vice Chairwoman The Edward Foundation said: "These awards were our very first one and how delighted we were when we won Best Breed Rescue! There has been 13 years of hard work, with over 2,000 dogs and endless sleepless nights, but winning this award has made it all worthwhile.

"Agria and The Kennel Club pulled off a fab event in a great venue, and I can't wait for the next one!"

Breed Rescue Co-ordinator of the Year - Margarita Booker, from Weimaraner Club Of GB Rescue and Rehoming Service

Finalists: Melanie Mann, from Papillon (Butterfly Dog) Club Rescue and Shirley Hinchliffe, from Beardies In Need 

The judges chose Margarita as the winner in recognition of both her dedication to Weimaraners, as well as the commitment and devotion that she has shown, not only to Weimaraner breed rescue, but also to educating prospective owners through a variety of events.

James Kelly, Show Secretary for the Weimaraner Club of GB, who received the award on behalf of Margarita, said: "Thank you to Agria and The Kennel Club for a wonderful evening, which we have thoroughly enjoyed.

"This award shows how much Margarita is appreciated, and she is thrilled to have won – and would like to acknowledge that this is for all the people who work with rescue dogs."

Breed Rescue Volunteer of the Year - Eileen Peers from Bloodhound Rescue

Finalists: Dee Randle, from The Edward Foundation and Ian Tyson, from Dobermann Rescue UK and Europe

Eileen was selected as winner of the award owing to the commitment she has shown, and the judges acknowledged that Eileen has dedicated a huge part of her life to the breed.

Eileen said: "I am absolutely delighted and thrilled. I cannot believe that I have been singled out for this honour!"

Rescue Dog of the Year – Bob, a Bearded Collie, owned by Lucy Rowan who adopted Bob from Beardies in Need

Finalists: Pixel, a Papillon, from Papillon Butterfly Dog Club Rescue and Roory, a Wire Fox Terrier, from Wire Fox Terrier Association Rescue

Following the loss of his owners when he was twelve-years-old, Bob was moved from his family home to a city dog pound, and finally a foster home before being taken in by Beardies in Need. Upon arrival, he was said to be very sad, traumatised and withdrawn, due to the bewildering changes in his life and was afraid of close contact and could not play.

Thankfully, Bob has become a happy, confident, outgoing and sociable dog who enjoys walks twice a day. Those close to him say he loves "rootling in hedges, involving himself in activities and following everyone around at home and 'helping' with tasks in the garage. He seeks affection and never stops wagging his tail."

A spokesperson for the Awards said: "Despite Bob's later years and gradually deteriorating eyesight, he has made a huge leap of faith and put his trust in a new family to offer him sanctuary, love, grooming and medical care. He is a testament to the resilience of the dog and sharing his renewed zest for life has been humbling, joyful and rewarding."

Lucy Rowan, who along with her husband has owned Bearded Collies for over 50 years, while their family's history with the breed dates back to the late 1800s, adds: "For us, this recognition of Bob serves as a total validation of the rehoming process, the whole point of offering a home to a stranger who needs refuge and safe sanctuary.

"We would like to extend our thanks and gratitude to The Kennel Club and Agria Pet Insurance for granting Bob the honour of being the first recipient of this prestigious award – it highlights and underpins the critical importance of all re-homing organisations, the tireless effort and support required to fundraise and run them, and the incredible job they do on behalf of pets in need.

"Finally, thank you Bob, it has been our pleasure and privilege to adopt you as the latest member of our Bearded Collie family."

Special Recognition Award – in memory of Sonny, the Boxer, who passed away in January 2024, and was owned by Russ and Michelle Aspin

Sonny came into Russ and Michelle Aspin's lives ten years ago, when they made a 250-mile trip, from Accrington, to pick him up from a back garden in Scarborough. Russ soon realised, when walking Sonny, that he had never been given any basic training or boundaries, but Russ persevered, and later that year, set up the Accrington Boxer Walk, which was held around a local nature reserve known as The Coppice.

Jan Takhar, from Boxer Dog Rescue Northern England explains: "At the Accrington Boxer Walk, Sonny would welcome all dogs and owners on arrival and it was there where I met him for the first time. Any local Boxer in foster was always met by the pair there, Sonny was playful and respectful and had a calming effect.

"At the end of the walk, all attending are invited to donate to Boxer Rescue – while we clean off the slobber on our clothes and the Boxers enjoy the "pupcakes", which are made by Russ. Photos of Sonny over the years has led to photos in our calendar, and greeting cards and newspaper stories but his legacy is his fundraising and together with Russ, they were a prolific fundraising team. In June 2020, three months into lockdown, the two of them carried out a 'one million step challenge in three months".

"Last summer, Sonny began to slow down a little and retired from the walk, but continued to raise the profile of Boxer dog rescue. Over his lifetime, he raised over £15,000 and, as a rescue Boxer, we couldn't be more proud. He was unique!"

Karen Green, Channel Team Manager at Agria said: "Agria is delighted to share that we have recently acquired an acre of woodland in honour of beloved pets who have passed away. This initiative was inspired by the many sincere nominations we received for a special Boxer named Sonny. In celebration of Sonny and all the animals who enrich our lives, Agria has dedicated this acre to those who have crossed over the 'Rainbow Bridge'."

Russ adds: "Sonny was the epitome of exuberance, and the most loyal and loving Boxer you could ever meet. We now remember him basking in the sun or haring around with his best mate Stanley Long Legs, and all the others who have graced our days."

Russ continues to walk kennelled Boxers, and in April organised another Accrington Boxer Walk in Sonny's memory, raising £1,500.

Anita Tabrett, spokesperson for Kennel Club Breed Rescue, added: "We would like to congratulate all five winners, as well as our eight finalists, all of which exemplify the ethos of Kennel Club Breed Rescue and demonstrate dedication and passion towards their breeds and organisations.

"Selecting just five winners from the many inspirational entries is a difficult task, but everyone who received a nomination should be so proud of their achievements."

Kennel Club Breed Rescue supports breed rescue organisations to find the right home for pedigree dogs in the UK, and rehomes approximately 10,000 dogs each year.

For more information, please visit thekennelclub.org.uk/breedrescue.