Golden Retriever Guide Dog and life-changer, Milo, and his owner, Scott - The Kennel Club Hero Dog Award - Best Friend

The Kennel Club Hero Dog Award  - Best Friends  Golden Retriever Guide Dog and life-changer, Milo, and his owner, ScottScott Bailey, from Crewe in Cheshire, started losing his sight in 2019. “I lost all confidence and felt I couldn't be the dad my two girls deserved,” Scott explains. “I was scared and unable to leave the house alone. I went from working outdoors as a dairy farmer, to sitting within four walls, day in, day out.”Scott applied for a guide dog but sadly, due to Covid-19 the country went into lockdown and his training with Milo the Golden Retriever was postponed. Eventually, in September, Milo finally became a full-time family member of the Bailey household and in November, he and Scott qualified together as owner and guide dog. Having Milo by his side has not only brought Scott confidence, independence and immeasurable happiness, but Scott’s life is often in Milo’s paws when they’re out alone together. Milo has prevented Scott from being injured by unexpected building works, and on one occasion, even stopped him from crossing a road during a dangerous police car chase. Milo’s impact has reached beyond just guiding. At home, Scott believes that Milo has given his daughters their dad back. And because of Milo, Scott has had the confidence to return to college where he is training as a counsellor to help others affected by sight loss. “I cannot believe the massive difference Milo has made to mine and my family's life,” says Scott. “He literally is my best friend and will always be hero dog to me.”