Westport Veterinary Clinic is searching for the nation’s animal heroes!

Hugo’s Hero is a special award which was launched by Westport Veterinary Clinic at the start of 2022. An annual award created in memory of Hugo the Labrador who was the first Local Canine Hero Award winner of Westport Vets Local Hero Awards back in March 2021.

Hugo was recognised for helping to save the life of his owner Brian Watson. Hugo’s sheer love and devotion for Brian meant he never left his side when Brian fell face down into freezing canal water. His presence and devotion to continue to stay by his owners side at the scene, alerted local man Gregor Angus and his 5 year old son Lucas, to look for Brian. After seeing Brian face down lying in the water, Gregor shouted for help and with the help of other passing residents they were able to pull Brian from the water. An action which saved Brian’s life and one which only occurred all thanks to Hugo for being such a loyal dog.

In November 2021, Hugo then went on to win the Dog Aid Society of Scotland Bravery Award for his actions. However, shortly after the bravery award win was announced, Hugo sadly passed away.

To honour the incredible legacy Hugo leaves behind, Westport Vets have commemorated a special award to recognise and honour other animal heroes.

Westport Vets are searching across the nation, asking the public to nominate animals for their acts of kindness, their animal heroes. They will be working with Hugo’s family to help choose the winner of Hugo’s Hero Award 2023.

The winner will be presented with a special Hugo’s Hero award, receive a pet goodie bag and their story will be shared on, sharing on a legacy of their own.

Animals play such an incredible role in our lives and Westport Vets aim is to celebrate this, as well as share these incredible acts of kindness by animals to humans.

We welcome nominations from anywhere in the UK, please email them to heroes@westportvets.com

Please include your details and a phone contact number, the animal’s details and tell us about their act of kindness – why you think they deserve to be crowned Hugo’s Hero

Nomination entries open in March every year  (the anniversary of when Hugo became Westport Vets Local Canine Hero in 2021).

The practice will announce the winner across their social media pages and website.

Make a Nomination

Are you the pet's owner?
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The Hugo Award Hall of Fame

  • Special Recognition Award 2024 Winner – Lucy O’Toole

    Lucy was chosen by Hugo's family to receive Hugo’s Special Recognition Award 2024 for her incredible devotion and fundraising for charity, Held in our Hearts. [...]

  • 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 [...]

  • Hugo’s Hero Award Winner 2022 – Meatball

    Meatball's story began several years ago as a stray. He began visiting the Kershaw family, Clare, Daniel and their children Sophie (age 13) and Jack [...]

  • Andrew The Golden Retriever

    One of Westport Vets Local Canine Heroes for South Queensferry, Andrew the Golden Retriever. Andrew attended the Westport Vets South Queensferry practice to assist [...]

  • Archie the Cocker Spaniel

    Archie is a Cocker Spaniel who was rescued from Edinburgh Dog and Cat home 3 years ago. He was adopted by owner Liz King [...]

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