Budgie helps launch dog awards (From This Is Wiltshire)

Budgie helps launch dog awards

12:29pm Wednesday 12th March 2008 in

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WESTBURY hearing dog Budgie and his profoundly deaf owner Tracy Lewis were at Crufts on Friday to help launch 2008 as Year of the Assistance Dog.

Canine Partners, Dogs for the Disabled, Guide Dogs, Hearing Dogs and Support Dogs are working together as Assistance Dogs UK, promoting rights of access to transport, restaurants, shops and other services for assistance dog users.

Budgie joined four other dogs and their owners to raise awareness of the important work carried out by the UK's 6,000 assistance dogs.

As part of this special year, prestigious awards called Dog Star Awards will be presented to service providers nominated by guide dog and assistance dog users in recognition that premises and services meet their needs.

Tracy and Budgie also recently visited Downing Street where they presented Phil Hope MP, Minister for the Third Sector, with a Dog Star Award.

Phil Hope MP accepted the award on behalf of Downing Street and the Cabinet Office, in recognition of the accessibility for guide and assistance dog users.

During their time with the MP they gave personal accounts of the problems they face when attempting to travel by taxis, or use services and amenities.