Crufts

Harriet and Yepa

Friends for Life is a Kennel Club competition that recognises and celebrates the difference that dogs can make to their owners lives, be it through bravery, support or companionship.

Harriet Ringsell and Yepa, her Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla, received the most votes. They were named 'Friends For Life' 2008 - in the Crufts Main Arena, Sunday 9th of March.

Harriet and Yepa at Crufts 2008

Cerebral Palsy has left 11 year-old Harriet with severely restricted movement. Best friend Yepa has given Harriet the encouragement to overcome her disability.  Thanks to Yepa, Harriet now believes she has a chance of walking again.

Through her tears, Harriet said: "Thank you so much for voting - I'm just so glad that [Yepa] means so much to you as she does to me. She's just the best friend in the world."

Harriet Ringsell and Yepa were selected from a short-list of five, by public phone voting.