Vote for Louis: The Hero Dog Walking to Make a Difference
The Kennel Club has announced the five finalists for its prestigious Hero Dog of the Year Award at Crufts, and among them is Louis, the incredible English Setter-cross whose journey has captured the hearts of many whilst fundraising for Ovarian Cancer Action last year.
Now, the public has the power to choose the winner, and we need your help to ensure Louis gets the recognition he deserves!
Louis and Nick talk about being nominated for Hero Dog of the Year 2025.
Louis, alongside his devoted owner, Nick Johnson from Wiltshire, has taken on an extraordinary challenge in memory of Nick’s late wife, Lisa, who passed away from ovarian cancer. Together, the pair embarked on a 3,048-mile trek around the entire English coastline, raising more than £60,000 for Ovarian Cancer Action—enough to sponsor a specialist cancer researcher in Lisa’s name.
Nick recalls the moment that inspired their journey: “Two days before Lisa passed away, she asked me what I was going to do when she was gone. I thought about it and told her, ‘I’m going to take our dog and walk around our country to raise awareness for Ovarian Cancer Action and to honour you.’”
Nick and Louis on a fundraising walk in 2024.
The public vote is open from 18 February until 4pm on Sunday 9 March 2025. The Kennel Club Hero Dog Award overall winner will be announced in the bp pulse LIVE Arena at the Birmingham NEC, and on Channel 4, on the final day of Crufts (Sunday 9 March).
The winner and all finalists will receive donations from The Kennel Club Charitable Trust for their nominated canine charity, helping to make a difference for dogs everywhere.
