Top dogs for bravery and helping children to read

A canine heroine who barked the house down before it burnt down, saving her family, will today be recognised for bravery.

Jess, a 1-year-old female fox terrier, will receive a lifesaving award at the ProPlan New Zealand Canine Heroes Awards.

Two other canine achievers also received recognition: a dog that listened intently but quietly as children read to her won the service dog award, and a dog that cost $20 and a box of chocolates took the pet of the year award.

The annual awards, organised by the NZ Kennel Club, were open to any dog still living and any owner resident in New Zealand.

In July, Jess had the choice of running for cover and waiting for help or waking her Te Awamutu household as flames engulfed the family home and its occupants, owner Robert Buckley and his three daughters.

Jess chose to bark furiously at the top of the staircase inside the house. Her persistence woke the family who managed to scramble to safety.

Seven-year-old Trude, service dog of the year, retired this year after nearly four years in the role of the country's sole reading dog.

The german shepherd visited Birkdale Primary School in Auckland every Friday to help children with reading and communication difficulties to gain confidence.

Trude was stationed in the school's library while selected children read to her on a one-on-one basis.

This resulted in many of the children improving their confidence and reading abilities.

Pet of the year Judy, part of an unplanned litter, survived the deliberate drowning of her 11 siblings on a Canterbury farm and, subsequently, the farmer's gun.

Sylvia Hendriksen rescued Judy and brought the border collie-cross back to her home in Silverstream, Upper Hutt.

In her 16 years, Judy has displayed exceptional qualities; intelligence, love, loyalty and tolerance.

Her hearing is now poor and eyesight not as sharp, but she still thrives at her own pace in bush walks.

Each dog's owner will be presented with a prize.

- NZPA