Bilbo Baggins from Surrey Wins PAT Dog of the Year

On Friday 11th March, Bilbo Baggins, a six-year-old Cockapoo, was named Pets as Therapy Dog of the Year. Bilbo's owner Philippa Cadge accepted the award in the Arena during the second day of Crufts 2016.

Bilbo Baggins works at the Cherry Trees in Surrey, a home-from-home respite care centre for children and young people with severe disabilities. Aside from brightening everyone's day at Cherry Trees, Bilbo has also helped children get over their fear of dogs and visits the residents at Furze Hill Lodge care home when he can.

After Bilbo's win Philippa said: "Bilbo does such great work, so I'm absolutely thrilled that he's the winner. It is a wonderful achievement, and I'm so proud of him. He was so excited to come here, he didn't really know what to do with himself!

"Goodness knows what he'll be making of all the attention, but maybe it will sink in for him next week. As for me, I've got a bottle of champagne waiting for me to celebrate!

 "They're going to be thrilled to bits at Cherry Trees, and it should hopefully give them so much needed publicity, particularly as it was them who nominated us.

Crufts took place from 10th - 13th March 2016 at the NEC, Birmingham. For more information, visit www.crufts.org.uk. The results for Crufts 2016 can be found online at www.press.fossedata.co.uk. For free downloadable images from Crufts 2016, please go to www.w-w-i.com/crufts_2016/.