Pet Factor Shortlist
Pet: Alfie, 1 year old, from Glasgow
Alfie's owner thinks he has the Pet Factor because:
"My dog Alfie deserves to win Pet Factor because he is a loving dog who came from a farmer that didn't want him because he is deaf. When we are trying to train him he sometimes can't hear us so we have to use hand signals as well as saying it but he's proved a capable scholar and has even learned to dance. Sometimes I take him to dog training classes. Having a dog like Alfie has changed my life and now when I grow up I want to be a dog psychologist. I entered the Pet Factor because I felt Alfie loves the camera and he might have the chance of winning."
Pet: Einstein, age unknown, from Ohio (USA) currently residing in Lancaster
Einstein's owner thinks he has the Pet Factor because:
"Einstein was a stray who arrived on our doorstep in 2005 in Ohio, USA, a year after we got married. We nurtured and cared for him discovering an intelligent personality which is how we decided on his name. Over the years, his antics have included learning how to open our fridge door to eat lettuce and meat; attempting to open the microwave, opening doors by pushing down on a door handle, but his most enjoyable active pursuit is retrieving post! After discovering such a character, we couldn't leave him in America, so he moved with us to my husband's home town in Lancaster. It would mean everything to us for him to win Pet Factor!"
Pet: Captain Nemo, 5 years old, from Hereford
Captain Nemo's owner thinks he has the Pet Factor because:
"Nemo is a Persian rescue cat, has had his penis removed, two operations on his nostrils and two eye operations. However, he still loves going to the vet practice and has even become a poster cat for catclip days! Originally owned as a stud cat, when his owners found out his penis would have to be removed (due to recurrent urinary blockages) they no longer wanted him and offered him for adoption. Nemo is perfect to us and has defied the odds so definitely has the Pet Factor!"
Pet: Ellen, 6 years old (approx), from Newcastle
Ellen's owner thinks she has the Pet Factor because:
"Ellen arrived at the animal shelter I work at in February 2007 weighing just 7.6kg. It was a horrific sight and every bone in her body was visible. After six months of love and care she was her ideal weight of 18.2kg and is now my best friend and loyal companion. Her cheeky and loving personality make her a fantastic example of a Staffordshire cross which has changed family and friends misperception of the breed. I would love her to win Pet Factor!"
Pet: Roxy, 10, from Greenock, Scotland
Roxy's owner thinks she has the Pet Factor because:
"Roxy was rescued by me as a five year old and had been badly neglected but still showed signs of her special sparkle. I wasn't wrong! She works in the Gold class at obedience, competes in agility, dabbles in Heelwork to Music and is A Pets As Therapy dog. She is loved by many, and has even qualified for the Scruffts Grand Final at Discover Dogs in London three times now! Roxy is a real little superstar who was met by another slightly more well known superstar on a trip to London... John Barrowman fell in love with Roxy when he met her as much as we did! It would mean everything to the family if Roxy won Pet Factor. It would help get her the recognition she truly deserves."
Pet: Poppy, 3 years old, from London
Poppy's owner thinks she has the Pet Factor because:
"Poppy saves my life on a daily basis. She alerts me to hyperglycaemia, as I have no warning signs to insulin sensitivity; one minute I am fine, the next I'm useless - Doctors didn't think I would live past 21. Since Poppy started alerting me, I have not been unconscious once. Poppy winning Pet Factor would mean so much, not only for the recognition by others of how amazing Poppy has been saving my life and helping others around me to have peace of mind, but also to raise awareness of how wonderful Medical Detection Dogs in general are. Not just qualified dogs but dogs in general are amazing."
Pet: Jack, 7, from Southampton
Jack's owner thinks he has the Pet Factor because:
"Jack was involved in a car accident and had to wear bolts on his leg for over nine months which resulted in him regularly being called names like 'mecano dog!' He's been a real little champion and currently goes to physio twice a week to train on a treadmill to help regain his fitness. He has completely defied the odds and his infectious, naughty personality is starting to shine through once again. Jack is full of mischief and was once even found feasting on the bottom tier of my brother's wedding cake when nobody was looking! We're starting to see signs of the old Jack again which is great!"
Pet: Stanley, 6 years old, from Cheshire
Stanley's owner thinks he has the Pet Factor because:
"Our rescued Greyhound bears the marks of his early experiences both mentally and physically but has taught us more about mutual love and respect than we ever thought possible. This patient and undemanding fellow with his waggy tail, quizzically cocked head and gentle muzzle is a work of art with stunning physical beauty and a waistline to die for! He moves with the power and grace of a ballet dancer and has a nobility of spirit which shines through in spite of the way he was treated. We're so proud of him and he's even become a blood donor, saving the lives of several dogs - a rescue dog rescuing others!"
Pet: Sandy, 13, from Tiptoe near Lymington
Sandy's owner thinks she has the Pet Factor because:
"In September 2008, Sandy was diagnosed as diabetic at 11 years old. Her owner, an elderly gentleman who cared for his wife, could not manage urine testing and daily injections so thought she would have to be put to sleep. Our caring vet thought otherwise and that is how Sandy arrived with us. Sandy has been through so much from losing her sight to regaining it following a £1500 operation to remove cataracts. Since then, she has had pneumonia, another bout of pancreatitis and mammary tumours to contend with. Despite this, at 13, she still loves to go out walking, plays with her toys more than any of my other dogs, play fights with her '3 yr old lab x brother' and generally has a zest for life."
