A DOG who brings happiness into the lives of many people is in line for a national award.

Tibetan spaniel, Lily, and owner Sylvia Andrews, of Westcliff, are heading for Crufts after Lily was named as one of six finalists in the HiLife PAT Dog of the Year 2014/15.

The winner will be announced during a presentation ceremony at Crufts in March and seven-year-old Lily, a Pets as Therapy (PAT) dog, is in the running for the title.

However, she’s not letting her ambitions get in the way of her work and has been busy continuing her visits to organisations across the county, including Southend Blind Welfare, at Hamlet Court Road, Westcliff, where she brings a smile to the faces of all she meets. Sylvia said: “I’m so proud and honoured that Lily has been nominated and to make it as a finalist is great news.

“Lily and I visit a variety of places on a regular basis, including Carers’ Choice, in Whitehouse, Benfleet, a day centre for young adults with mental and physical disabilities and Peaceful Place, in St Luke’s Place, Rochford, which helps those suffering from the onset of young dementia.

“We also visit My Place A Home, in London Road, Leigh, which supports teenagers with autism, Cedar Lodge, a residential home in Westberry Road, Southen for people with learning disabilities, and St Luke’s day centre for the elderly in St Luke’s Place, Rochford.’’ Sylvia said: “Lily always visits people in wheelchairs or with frames first, and she does this without any prompting from me.

All the residents adore her.”

Pets as Therapy is an independently- funded charity with more than 5,000 volunteers.

Their registered PAT dogs provide animal-assisted therapy and bring comfort, smiles and friendship to thousands of people every week.

Lily and five finalists will parade around the show arena as details of their achievements are announced to the audience.

The winner will then be revealed and will receive £500, plus three months’ supply of HiLife dog food.

Sylvia added: “Lily is a sweet little dog.

“She started as a PAT dog at just eight months old.

“She’s gentle, loving and calm and seems to pass this on to all those she meets.

“Lily has never put a paw wrong and I’m so lucky to own such a wonderful little dog.”

People can vote for the HiLife Pets as Therapy dog of the year by visiting www.yours.co.uk/ PATDogVote