It's a Dog's Life for Chloe as she triumphs in national awards

A dog that overcame severe behavioural difficulties has been recognised for her inspirational change in behaviour with a national award.

Chloe, a Collie-cross from Alton, won the £1000 prize in The Pet Factor, a competition launched by the National Office of Animal Health (NOAH) to find pets who had amazing stories of bravery, companionship and survival.

Chloe, who has now achieved two “Good Citizen“ awards, was once due to be put to sleep in her early years after previous owners felt nothing could be done to change her behaviour. Now a ‘Pets As Therapy’ dog, she regularly visits care homes to provide therapeutic experiences and welcome comfort to the elderly and injured.

Phil Sketchley, chief executive of NOAH has described both Chloe and her owner Lucy King as inspirational: “To think that Chloe spent many months abandoned in a rescue centre and was due to be put down proves how out of control she was. Lucy has handled her incredibly well and the turn-around in Chloe’s socialisation skills are humbling to see. We have rarely, if ever, seen or heard of a girl of Lucy's quality. Dedication of this size from both pet and owner is rare to see, and other pet owners who struggle with out-of-control pets can learn from Lucy”.

Lucy and Chloe have won a full photo shoot worth over £1,000 with renowned animal photographer Sam Lunt.

NOAH's Pet Health Information website, which featured the competition, exists to help owners make informed decisions about their pets’ healthcare. To find out more, visit www.pethealthinfo.org.uk

Ends

5 April 2010

Notes for Editors

1. For further information contact Phil Sketchley or Alison Glennon at NOAH, tel. +44 (0)20 8367 3131, or visit the NOAH website.

2. The National Office of Animal Health was formed on 1 January 1986 to represent UK companies which research, develop, manufacture and market licensed animal health products. The association has 28 corporate members and 7 associate members. In 2009 the NOAH sales survey showed a total market of £452m, around 90% of the total UK market.