Hugo’s Hero Award 2024 Winner – Buddy

Buddy was nominated by his owner Emma, for his sheer devotion, his loyalty and love for her. Buddy was the light that guided her through difficult times. Buddy saved her life.

Their story began when Emma and Buddy first met in June 2016 when Buddy was just 8 weeks old.

“Buddy turned 8 years old on the 27th of April and I have had him since he was 8 weeks old. When I got Buddy, I had never had a dog before and the day I got him, I was only meant to be going to look at pups not actually get one! But Buddy came home with me that very day.”

“The man I got him from owned his Mum and Dad and I got to see them both. The man clearly worshiped his dogs so I knew Buddy was coming from a good home. There was only two pups left, Buddy and his brother. They were both in a crate, the brother was jumping and yelping at us, but Buddy was timid and hiding at the back of the crate. Since i’m a bit of a shy person, I knew the little shy pup was for me!”

“When Buddy was 3, my relationship started to break down, at the same time I was going through a difficult time at work. As sad as it is to talk about now, I didn’t want to be here anymore. I was pretty determined that life had just gotten a bit too much. Buddy was the reason I had to stay. He intervened at the time I needed him most. He saved my life.”

“I can’t imagine a world without him in it. I am now in a very happy relationship and have a 7 month old baby. The day Buddy met my little girl, it was as if he looked into my eyes and said “you did it mum”. But he will never understand that the only reason I did it, was because of him.”

“My best friend and my soul dog. He is my hero.”

“Buddy just tugged at our heart strings, mental health can affect us all and dogs truly know when they are needed”

“He is so loyal and protective with everyone in our family. He is such a Gran’s boy, soon as my mum is around he goes to her. He is amazing with kids, my niece and nephew and now my daughter. He is the most gentle boy. He is also the best big brother to our younger German Shepherd, Mac. Mac has tested his patience more than I could tell you…but he has always been patient and calm with him. I think he secretly loves being pestered!”

“Buddy just being here makes me smile. I dread the day I no longer have my sidekick by my side. Every night he needs to get his 2 dentsticks. We had to start buying the ones for small dogs because he wont go to bed until he has got two. He wont be fooled either, he knows if he hasn’t got his second and will come sit and thrash his head towards the kitchen until you get up. He also gets his frisbee and has his mad half hour every night. He is such a creature of habit its funny.“

Where is his favourite place to be?

“In the house – on his couch. If you sit on his seat…he will let you know he needs you to move. Out the house – the beach…or anywhere with water! Every year I say I want to go to Loch Lubnig or somewhere and go swimming with him…then I never do! But this year…we are doing it!!! I will brave the cold and chase the ball into the water with him!”

Since the arrival of her daughter, the special bond that Emma has with Buddy, he now shares an beautiful bond with her daughter too.

“The first time I came in with my daughter, it genuinely was like he looked at me with such pride. I can’t explain it. It was like all the badness we had been through together was ok now because now we had done this together too. For the first few months he didn’t really go near her, I think he was scared of her. Now he is getting a bit braver and being a bit closer with her. He lets her clap him and sit beside him. Now she is starting to eat food, he circles her high chair waiting to see if she drops any of the good stuff on the floor for him! He walks beside her pram like the proudest brother in town! “

“He is the best dog in the whole world. I know everyone says that…but he really is.”

Buddy received his award at Hugo’s Hero Award 2024 Presentation event at Westport Vets Linlithgow practice on Thursday 12th September. Westport Vets owner,Head Vet Staurt Mcmorrow, presented Emma and Buddy with a personalised glass award, winners rosette, a deluxe dog goodie bag and certificate.

“Buddy is a such a deserving winner of Hugo’s Hero Award. The incredible bond Emma and Buddy have is credit to the life she has given him. He is the true meaning of a hero, in every way.”