This article from the Echo
http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/8967432.Top_dog_Sandy_really_has_got_the_Pet_Factor/
Top dog Sandy really has got the Pet Factor
3:00pm Tuesday 12th April 2011
By Katie Clark »
IT’S a waggy dog story with a happy ending… and no sign of Simon Cowell.
Sandy, a 14-year-old Collie cross from Tiptoe near Lymington has won The Pet Factor 2011 along with owner Kate Hurcombe for her determination to battle against the odds through various serious illnesses.
The plucky dog was diagnosed as diabetic at 11-years-old and rehomed when her owner John Dickety, who cared for his ill wife, could no longer cope with Sandy’s need for testing and injections.
After taking the dog to Forest Lodge vets in New Milton, John was told they had found a foster family for Sandy.
Mr Dickety, 80, who was reunited with his former pet at the award ceremony said: “When I had dropped her to the vets, I cried all the way home.
“Seeing Sandy today is out of this world – it’s like I’ve won the lottery.”
Sandy has been living with Kate for the past two-and-a-half years and in that time has had pneumonia, pancreatitis, mammary tumours and continues to contend with her diabetes.
But despite the illnesses, she still loves playing and going for walks and hankers for attention like a true doggy diva.
Kate, 34, said: “It was a surprise to win and very exciting.
“The vet contacted me because he knows I’ve fostered other diabetic dogs with the Dorset Animal Workers Group.
“It was only meant to be temporary but by the time she was stabilised she had settled in and I had grown to love her and couldn’t be parted from her.”
Phil Sketchley, chief executive of the National Office for Animal Health said: “There was no hesitation from us that Sandy was the winner.
“Kate has done a fantastic job looking after this dog through a very tough time.”
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We would all like to congratulate Sandy and Kate, who very kindly hosts the annual DAWGdogs Fun Day Dog Show for us each year.