Mhairi, a King Charles spaniel belonging to Isobel Cameron, of Tulloch, by Nethy Bridge, was runner-up in the Therapet of the Year award for Scotland at the charity's recent presentations ceremony in Bathgate.

Mhairi had been nominated by Therapet's strath representative, Vivien Moen, with ringing endorsements from staff and residents of Grandview Nursing Home and Grant House in Grantown.

Mrs Dawn Hargreaves, widow of former Colditz prisoner of war Major Charles Hargreaves, also supported Mhairi's nomination with a letter recounting the special bond between the spaniel and her late husband.

Mhairi was a frequent visitor to the bed of Major Hargreaves, who died in February, 2005, while he was a resident at the Grandview Nursing Home.

Mrs Moen said: "The award for Mhairi is well-deserved recognition for all the wonderful work she carries out as a visiting dog.

"She gives so much affection and stimulation to all residents of the places she visits with Isobel, on a regular basis."

Commenting on the special relationship between Mhairi and the major, Mrs Moen said: "Major Hargreaves was bed-ridden, and it was difficult for him even to touch the dogs.

"With permission, of course, Mhairi used to curl up, cuddle into him and go to sleep. Major Hargreaves adored his animals."

Major Hargreaves was a prisoner at Colditz Castle from 1944 to 1945, after suffering interrogation at the hands of the Gestapo.

Isobel Cameron and therapet Mhairi receive their certificate from Dawn Hargreaves, while therapet official Vivien Moen shows Grandview residents Ruth MacKinlay and Mary Gow the engraved award.

Mrs Moen was presented with the Ki-Chu-Asha Stars of Hope Memorial Trophy as Therapet's top walk organiser this year.

But she modestly stressed that the sponsored pet walk, which took place in the strath in mid-October and raised a total of £673, had been a team effort.

"This honour is down to all the Therapet volunteers - and many supporters - involved, either by organising sponsorship, giving a donation or helping with the organisation of the event."

Some 22 people and 19 dogs took part in the walk, around Loch Vaa.

Mrs Moen added: "The latter probably had even more fun than their owners, especially the 'aqua-aerobics' in Loch Vaa.

"This recognition is true reward for all hours spent by the Therapet volunteers and their pets, bringing great comfort to a huge range of children and adults needing unconditional love."

musgrove_g@spp-group.com

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