A life-saving bond

17 October 2011

Yancy has been crowned Guide Dog of the Year 2011 after beating more than 50 nominees to the title. The brave guide dog scooped the award after preventing her owner, Paul Thomas, from being hurt in a road accident.

Paul was walking with his partner Nikki through Ipswich town centre last November. The lights at the pedestrian crossing turned green and Nikki stepped out, but for some reason Yancy refused to budge so she and Paul stayed put at the kerb.

Seconds later, Nikki was hit by a car. Paul was understandably distressed, but four-year-old Labrador Yancy kept calm and waited with him and Nikki until help arrived. Once Nikki had been taken to hospital, Yancy led Paul across town to the support of his friends. Thankfully, Nikki’s injuries were not life-threatening.

Richard Leaman, Guide Dogs’ Chief Executive, said: “It’s been a pleasure meeting these dogs and their owners. They are a fantastic example of the amazing partnerships between guide dogs and their owners.”