The Pet Health Club has crowned qualified medical alert dog, Clive as the winner of its national Pet Hero of the Year competition.

Clive helps his owner, Michelle Rust, manage a complex health problem. Michelle has Addison’s disease which Clive can detect through smell when her blood pressure or steroid levels drop. When this happens Clive alerts her by jumping up and down and he fetches her life saving medication. Before Clive, Michelle regularly called an ambulance for assistance but she hasn’t had to for three years.

Eager to help from an early age, Clive trained to become a medical alert dog aged one. Clive, now seven, works his paws off and accompanies Michelle to work each day in her role as a Logistics Officer at Humberside Police. He often pitches in around the workplace. Clive is well known around the office for his range of dog toys, bringing a different toy to work each day.

Michelle thought Clive would have to retire from his medical alert dog duties when he had to undergo surgery for a popped disc in his back. The operation took over five hours and he had part of his pelvis removed. But ever the helper, he was keen to start alerting again just eight days post-surgery.

Clive beat more than 200 cats, dogs and rabbits to be awarded the title of the UK’s Pet Hero of the Year. Despite the fierce competition, his story captivated the attention of the judges who were impressed by his caring attitude and commitment to helping his owner.

Clive’s owner, Michelle Rust, said: “I can’t imagine my life without Clive; he has spent the last six years by my side. He is such a wonderful companion and saves my life daily. When Clive had an operation I slept with him on the floor for seven weeks while he recovered. I did expect him to retire from his duties but he was so keen to start helping me again just a week after his surgery. He is my knight in shining armour. I am so proud that Clive has been voted as The Pet Health Club’s Pet Hero of the Year.”

TV Vet, Rory Cowlam said: “Pets love and support us through our lives and they hold a special place within our families. Clive is clearly a dog that goes the extra mile to help his owner. His friendly personality, keen intuition and determination to help make him the perfect pet for Michelle. Clive definitely deserves the title Pet Hero of the Year.”

The Pet Hero of the Year competition was ran by The Pet Health Club, a national pet healthcare plan available at over 500 vet practices in the UK.