Hill's Announces 2017 Assistance Dog of the Year

Competition highlights the life-changing benefits Assistance Dogs bring to their owners

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Jun 19, 2017, 15:30 ET

TOPEKA, Kan., June 19, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Scout, a companion dog who supports a 17-year-old boy with cerebral palsy, has been crowned Assistance Dog of the Year in a competition organized by Hill's Pet Nutrition. The 5-year-old Golden Retriever provides practical support for his owner by picking up dropped items, removing his owner's socks, collecting laundry, and closing drawers and cabinet doors. Equally important, Scout serves as a companion and social bridge.

Scout was named the Assistance Dog of the Year in a contest sponsored by Hill’s Pet Nutrition and Clinician’s Brief.

Scout's owner, Mr. Duncan Cumby from Stephenville, Texas, will receive a two-year supply of Hill's® Science Diet® pet food. Hill's will also make a $1,000 USD donation to Canine Companion for Independence, the organization that trained Scout.

"Assistance dogs work every day to improve the quality of their owner's lives," said Dr. Jolle Kirpensteijn, Chief Professional Relations Officer at Hill's Pet Nutrition. "This competition was an opportunity to work with our veterinary healthcare team colleagues to celebrate the outstanding contribution that assistance dogs make and to champion the amazing organizations that train them. The support and companionship these animals provide can transform an individual's life and often has a positive effect on the entire family."

Hill's partnered with the veterinary journal Clinician's Brief to run the Assistance Dog competition in early 2017. Veterinary professionals from around the world were encouraged to nominate outstanding assistance dogs that they had cared for in their clinic. A panel of independent veterinarians selected three monthly winners and then named Scout as the Grand Winner and Assistance Dog of the Year.

The three monthly winners and the yearly winner will each receive a one-year supply of Hill's Science Diet pet food.

The other monthly winners are:

Honey, a German shepherd that supports Mr. Michael Gaither, a wheelchair-bound U.S. Army veteran from Chiefland, Fla. In addition to the constant companionship she provides, Honey supports Mr. Gaither by picking up clothes and opening doors. She is also trained to find help or call 911 in an emergency.
Lena, a 15-month old Doberman pinscher that assists Miss Hannay Haley from Baton Rouge, LA. Lena alerts Miss Haley if she is about to suffer a medical seizure, and performs tasks that mitigate her anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This help enables Miss Haley to live a more independent life.

"We are delighted that veterinary professionals responded so enthusiastically to the competition, enabling us to share so many heart-warming stories," Kirpensteijn said. "Through this competition and other initiatives we have run, Hill's has reached more than one million people around the world with our message about the benefits assistance dogs can bring."

"We congratulate Scout, Honey, Lena and their owners, and look forward to continuing to promote the vital work of Assistance Dogs and their training organizations in the months ahead," Kirpensteijn said.

The work of three assistance dog training associations was highlighted during the Hill's Global Symposium 2017 on May 5-6 in Washington D.C.

Click here for a link to the lectures of the Hill's Global Symposium 2017.

Click here to view a video of Scout and his owner, Mr. Duncan Cumby.

Click here to read some of the service dog stories that veterinarians submitted for the contest.

Click here to view a message from Lisa Kinsel, Manager of Volunteer Services at the Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. The CHOA was one of the dog training associations highlighted during the Hill's Global Symposium 2017.

About Hill's Pet Nutrition
Founded more than 75 years ago with an unwavering commitment to pet nutrition, Hill's mission is to help enrich and lengthen the special relationships between people and their pets. The right nutrition, combined with the devotion of veterinary professionals can transform the lives of pets; and healthier and happier pets can transform the lives of pet parents. Hill's is dedicated to pioneering research and ground-breaking nutrition for dogs and cats based on a scientific understanding of their specific needs. HILL's® Prescription Diet® therapeutic pet foods. HILL's® Science Diet® and HILL's® Ideal Balance™ wellness pet foods are sold through veterinarians and pet speciality retailers worldwide. For more information about Hill's, our products and our nutritional philosophy, visit us at HillsPet.com, HillsVet.com for Facebook, keywords "Hill's Pet Nutrition."

SOURCE Hill's Pet Nutrition