Strictly Come Dancing star Karen Hauer celebrated Britain’s most extraordinary dogs at the inaugural Burns Bravery Awards, recognising the courage, loyalty and companionship of the nation's canine heroes.
Brave dogs and their proud owners from across the country gathered in London on Tuesday, November 3, for a heartwarming celebration of the remarkable ways dogs change lives every day.
Hosted by Strictly Come Dancing favourite and devoted dog lover Karen Hauer, the first-ever Burns Bravery Awards shone a spotlight on everything from lifesaving search and rescue missions to the everyday acts of love and loyalty that make dogs such treasured companions.
The awards were launched in September by Burns Pet Nutrition, the natural, vet-developed pet food company that has proudly supported Britain's Search & Rescue dogs for almost a decade.
Having fuelled some of Britain's hardest-working canine heroes for many years, Burns created the awards to give these extraordinary dogs the recognition they deserve, while celebrating the countless other dogs whose bravery, devotion and companionship make a difference in communities and homes across the UK.
Founded by veterinary surgeon John Burns more than 30 years ago, Burns Pet Nutrition believes every dog deserves exceptional nutrition. Its simple, natural, vet-developed recipes are designed to help dogs live healthy, happy and active lives, whether they're helping to save lives in challenging conditions or enjoying everyday adventures with their families.
Dozens of inspiring dogs were nominated by members of the public, with more than 1,000 Brits casting their votes to crown the winners across six categories:
- Search & Rescue Award
- Bravery Award
- Companion Award
- Assistance & Support Dog Award
- Service Award
- Community Impact Award
Burns Pet Nutrition has supported Britain’s Search & Rescue dogs for almost a decade, donating food to the remarkable dogs that help save lives.
With the Burns Bravery Awards, it set out to celebrate not only those lifesaving heroes, but the beloved family companions whose courage, loyalty and devotion change lives in quieter ways every day.
The nationwide awards gave the public the chance to nominate their canine heroes, with winners then decided by a public vote.
Karen presented the awards at the event, which ran from 2pm to 5pm at Woolwich Works.
Speaking of the event, Karen said: “My dogs mean the world to me. I may have rescued them, but they’ve given me so much love and comfort in return.
That’s why celebrating these extraordinary dogs feels so personal. Hearing their stories and meeting the people whose lives they’ve changed was incredibly moving.
Whether they’re finding someone lost and frightened or giving their owner the confidence to face the day, these dogs make a difference without ever knowing just how much they mean to us. It’s been a privilege to see them get the recognition they deserve.”
The winners were:
Burns Search & Rescue Award: Maya
Seven-year-old German Shepherd Maya has completed 150 search callouts alongside her handler, Conor, during their five-year partnership. Known for her remarkable instincts and problem-solving skills, Maya uses her extraordinary sense of smell to help search teams locate missing people across Hampshire and neighbouring counties, navigating challenging terrain with determination.
“Maya can read my mind, often before I’ve consciously even had the thought,” said her handler, Conor.
Burns Bravery Award: Mouse
Abandoned on a rubbish tip as a tiny puppy, seven-year-old Mouse was so seriously ill that he was not expected to survive. But after making a remarkable recovery, he went on to protect the very family who had saved him. At just six months old, Mouse stood his ground and barked when a stranger threatened his family during a walk, refusing to back down until the stranger left.
“He was scared. And he still stood in front of us,” said his owner, Tracey. “To me, that is what courage really is. It isn't the absence of fear. Sometimes it is being frightened and choosing to stand your ground for someone you love anyway.”
Burns Companion Award: Dory
Rescued at just 18 months old, four-year-old Dory was given a second chance by her owner, Justine, who helped her overcome her nerves and grow in confidence. When Justine later faced one of the most difficult periods of her life, Dory became her source of comfort and companionship, bringing laughter to even the hardest days with her affectionate and mischievous personality.
“She has a funny mischievous side, and her little antics can make me laugh even on days when I really don't feel like smiling,” said her owner, Justine. “She just wants to be there with me everywhere I go and that's all I need some days.”
Burns Assistance & Support Dog Award: Spring
Five-year-old medical alert dog Spring has transformed the life of his owner, Michelle, by recognising subtle changes in her body and alerting her to potential medical episodes, often before she notices the warning signs herself. Trained and provided by the charity Medical Detection Dogs, Spring offers life-changing support, helping Michelle feel safer, more confident and independent in everyday life.
“He is my confidence when mine disappears, my courage when I feel afraid and my strength when I struggle to find my own,” said his owner, Michelle.
Burns Service Award: Olive
After nearly two years of training, Olive qualified as an operational search and rescue dog with Surrey Search & Rescue. Just five months later, during one of her eight live searches, she located a vulnerable missing person in Surrey in the early hours of the morning. While navigating a complex route, Olive suddenly raised her nose and quickened her pace, leading her team to the missing person and enabling emergency services to reach them and provide vital care.
“Olive had no idea how extraordinary that find was,” said her handler, Jonathan. “To her, it was simply the game we’d spent years playing together: find the person, get the reward. But that night, the person was in real danger and her getting to them quickly mattered more than ever.”
Burns Community Impact Award: Yogi
Three year old School therapy dog, Yogi, is making a difference to children's lives by helping them build confidence, feel calmer and develop a love of reading. Working in his school's sensory room, Yogi provides a reassuring presence for children with additional needs or challenging experiences. Whether listening patiently as a child reads aloud, offering a cuddle or simply sitting quietly beside them, Yogi helps create a safe, comforting space where children can feel at ease.
“Our pupils thoroughly enjoy meeting our therapy dog, Yogi. It is wonderful to see the smiles, conversations and confidence that the visits inspire. Supporting children's emotional wellbeing is a key priority for our school.” said Claire Caldwell, Headteacher at Forest Lodge Academy.
Yogi’s owner, Sarah McTighe, was thrilled to receive the award.
“Yogi is a big, lovable lump who loves nothing more than sitting on someone’s lap or feet if they stand still long enough!
“He loves putting on his bandana and switching into work mode, greeting everyone he meets with a big smile and a wagging tail.
“He seems to sense exactly what each child needs during a visit. We tell the children he listens better to their reading with his eyes shut, although I’m always praying he doesn’t start snoring!
“He’s such a joy to have around and I don’t think he realises quite how big he is.
“I’m just so proud of what he does. He deserves this award.”
Each of the six winning dogs received six months’ worth of Burns dog food.
Harriet Dancaster, spokesperson for Burns Pet Nutrition, said: “Every day, dogs change lives through their courage, loyalty and companionship. The Burns Bravery Awards is our way of recognising those extraordinary dogs while shining a spotlight on the incredible work of Britain’s Search & Rescue dogs, who we’ve proudly fuelled for many years.”
For more information visit www.burnspet.co.uk/burns-bravery-awards
