We all love our pets - and tonight we’re celebrating some of the UK’s most amazing animals and their people at the Mirror People's Pet Awards 2022.
The inspirational winners will be honoured at a star-studded ceremony, hosted by the hilarious Judi Love. You can watch it all via our exclusive online broadcast.
Here’s a sneak peek at those being honoured…
MAGGIE - WEBBOX JOY OF PETS
Wonder dog Maggie shouldn’t even be here. Horrifically abused, she fought back against all the odds - and is now a much-loved therapy dog. Maggie was rescued from Lebanon where thugs used her for target practice.
She was found pregnant, with 200 bullet wounds and a broken jaw. One of her ears had been hacked off and her eyes removed. Her injuries were so severe, rescuers wondered if she should be put to sleep.
But Maggie, seven, pulled through and was brought to the UK, and put in foster care with Kasey Carlin, 28, from Brighton. Kasey fell in love with Maggie and her wonky looks - and adopted her in 2018.
“When I first had her, some people thought Maggie was so damaged she should have been put down,” says Kasey.
“She is proof that anything is possible.”
Now Maggie works as a therapy dog in care homes, schools and hospitals across Sussex.
CAT OF THE YEAR - MR LONDON MEOW
He’s the hospital therapy cat loved by patients, staff and his social media followers. And Mr London Meow makes everyone smile with his wardrobe of purr-fectly amazing outfits!
The dapper four-year-old is a half Persian, half Rag Doll Instagram star - posing for his 10,000 followers.
He’s a registered therapy cat, popping into hospitals around his home, in London, to put patients at ease.
Guardian, Isabel Serafim, 44, says: “When we go to hospital people love seeing him - he makes people smile and can help people feel calm when they might not be in the best of health.”
MATILDA - CARING ANIMAL
Sofia Dobson was left wheelchair-bound and with cerebral palsy after suffering a stroke at two days old. Doctors said she probably wouldn’t talk or walk but she has proved them wrong, helped by best friend, dog, Matilda.
Sofia’s family, from Warrington, Cheshire, felt a support dog could help with her complex sensory issues and were won over by Bisson Friche Matilda’s laid-back nature. Sofia, eight, says: “Matilda is my best friend. When I am scared or sad she makes me happy again.”
Mum Sarah, 45, says: “Matilda has helped Sofia in so many ways, even letting us know when she might be about to have a seizure. Like everything else, we’ve never taught her that, she just seems to know what to do.”
MAX - DOGS TRUST DOG OF THE YEAR
Staffordshire bull terriers have become one of the most unwanted, hard to home dogs. But 12-year-old Max is helping change people’s minds. He was adopted by Amelia Piper, 19, and her family when he was eight months old, after being forced to fight.
Despite his ordeal, Max had a gentle nature and was a perfect assistance dog for Amelia’s disabled sister. Amelia created a Facebook group dedicated to Max. Max is now an ambassador for the
Senior Staffy Club and visits lonely older people. Amelia, a student, from Conwy, Wales, says: “I want to show the world the Staffie’s unwarranted bad reputation is not fair.
“He is so loving, caring and gentle with my sister but also with everyone he meets.”
INSPIRATION AWARD - PARK PALACE PONIES
The bond between humans and horses has always been special. And Park Palace Ponies is an inspirational riding school - providing affordable lessons to 5,000 children in South Liverpool helping build confidence.
One child, who recently took part in the scheme said: "If I can get on a pony and ride it, I can put my hand up in class.”
The riding school was founded by teacher Bridget Griffin, 26, dad, Keith Hackett, 68, and directors Paul Hayward, Pauline Hayward and Michaela Walsh.
As Bridget says: “We want every child in Liverpool to have the opportunity to learn to ride."
SPECIAL RECOGNITION - REFUGE4PETS
Leaving an abusive relationship is never easy - and when pets are involved it can be even trickier. That’s why the work done by Mary Wakeham and her charity, Refuge4Pets, is so important.
They provide foster care for pets, as well as free advice, veterinary treatment, pet food and bedding and have helped more than 250 individuals and families. Mary drew on her own experiences to set up the service in 2017.
"The vast majority of victim-survivors who escape domestic abuse are unable to take animals with them into emergency accommodation,” she explains.
“This can serve as a barrier to people getting the support and safety they need.”
LOUISE RUSSELL - SPECIAL RECOGNITION
Louise has been bringing together pets and older people to combat loneliness, through her charity Give a Dog a Bone.
If people choose to re-home an animal from a shelter, the charity can cover fees and food costs.
Since Louise, 47, from East Renfrewshire, launched the charity in 2013, it has helped re-home more than 300 dogs and set up spaces where retired people can make new friends and enjoy the company of dogs.
As Louise says: “We have big dreams to grow the charity to reach more people, and rescue animals, who need our help.”
BILLY - INTERNET SENSATION
When window cleaner Russell Jones broke his ankle and needed to use crutches, his lurcher Billy started limping too.
Russell, 51, from Herts, spent £300 on vet bills to try and find out what was wrong. But when they found nothing, the family realised their pet was putting it on - in sympathy with his injured owner.
A video clip of Billy limping alongside Russell went viral after he shared it on Facebook. As Russell explains: “We realised he was copying me because I was hobbling along.”
Sadly, Russell and Michelle lost Billy earlier this year but they’re delighted to see him honoured.”
“It’s just incredible,” says Russell. “It keeps his memory alive.”
ANIMAL HERO - BREAKING THE CHAINS
It isn’t just humans caught up in the Ukranian conflict - animals are in danger too. But a British charity is helping keep them safe.
Breaking the Chains was set up in 2020 to help animals around the world, by army veteran, Tom.
The 35-year-old, from Yorkshire, sprung into action when Russia invaded Ukraine; pulling together a team of former soldiers.
They partner with charities, War Paws and DogBus to resupply and rebuild shelters, reuniting pets with refugee families and rescuing 3,000 animals.
“At the start of the war, we saw shelters and zoos getting caught behind Russian lines with little food, water and supplies,” says Tom. “It broke my heart.”
REGGIE - BEST RESCUE
Brave rescuers fought against the odds to save the life of Reggie, a springer spaniel puppy who spent 34 hours stuck in a crevice.
Reggie was on a walk with Leah Davies - the sister of his owner - when he slipped and fell ten feet down a hole in the Clydach forest, Wales.
Unable to see him, Leah called South Wales Fire and Rescue Service who struggled to reach him.
They planned to come back the next day leaving Reggie alone overnight.
"I was absolutely petrified and felt so helpless,” says Leah. In desperation, she took to social media. Local drainage engineers Harry Booton and Neil Wilson, saw the post and raced to the scene, bringing a drains camera which to see Reggie.
With help from other volunteers, they were able to lift him to safety.
Watch the Mirror People’s Pet Awards with Webbox, Dogs Trust & Cats Protection @peoplespetawards on Facebook, Twitter & YouTube at 8pm tonight.
