Five heartwarming dog stories that made us smile this year; From a stray to superstar saga to a dog that inspired her owner to raise money for charity, there have been plenty of four-legged friends to champion in 2021.
Byline: By, Fiona Callow
With 2021 drawing to a close, there have been plenty of moments to look back upon and celebrate, courtesy of our favourite four-legged friends who have provided reasons to smile throughout the year.
There have been countless dogs deserving of recognition for their services, rehoming stories or maybe even just their ability to make us laugh, but here at TeamDogs we've narrowed it down to five stand out moments of the year.
From a dog that inspired her owner to raise money for charity to a friendship dog who takes her role very seriously, these furry cuties have helped provide some feel-good content to make you feel just as warm and fuzzy as the dogs themselves.
From stray to superstar
Trevor's rough start in life might make him an unlikely superstar, but the sweet Staffordshire Bull Terrier has defied the odds, and is set to represent Wales in Crufts 2022.
As first reported by Wales Online, he was found, aged one, tied up outside Superdrug in Cardiff City Centre, before being rescued by Cardiff Dogs Home.
He was adopted by dog trainer Kahla Delhany, who described Trevor as 'basically feral' when he first arrived home, almost a decade ago.
"He had no basic training and would chase his tail for about six hours a day and was diagnosed with canine OCD which can be common in very stressed dogs and in some bull breeds." She said.
"Cardiff Dogs Home staff said he used to climb out of his 10ft high kennel to cause bedlam.
"He was pretty wild and far too much with other dogs too which eventually led him to being fearful of them.
"Basically, he couldn't sit, went in circles for hours, barked at everything and pooped all over my house."
However, through gentle persistence and fun trick training to keep his brain occupied, the pair developed a bond, and learnt to communicate with each other.
Kahla said: "Our world got a lot bigger and brighter the more silly tricks we did.
"Now he is Mr Reliable. He is a sensitive soul and in day to day life quite a thoughtful dog but in training he is pure unbridled joy.
"At home he is a huge cuddle bug. He would climb inside my skin if he could and adores the other three dogs he lives with."
On Kahla's most recent count, she said Trevor knows 139 different tricks, his most impressive being a handstand on his front legs.
Next year the Staffie will compete in Crufts 2022 on Thursday, March 10 in the obedience ring at the NEC in Birmingham as a 'level one' dog.
As part of the rally, Trevor will navigate a course of about 15 signs -marks will be lost for sitting crooked or not paying attention to his handler, and he will also be able to show off his tricks and obedience.
An unlikely foster dad
A blind dog who was found abandoned has now taken on a caring role himself to orphaned puppies a year after being found dumped in a park.
First featured in MyLondon, The unexpected foster dad, Oliver, was just three months old when he was discovered in Hyde Park, believed to have been dumped there due to his blindness.
He was taken in by Battersea Dogs and Cats Home where staff nicknamed him after the character Oliver Twist due to his hilarious habit of bringing his...
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