With their unstinting loyalty and unconditional love, dogs are known to be man’s best friend but some go above and beyond the call of duty by truly changing people’s lives forever.

This is what is recognised in the DFS Crufts Friends for Life competition, organised by the Kennel Club, which celebrates heart-warming stories of friendship in adversity, where dogs have truly earned the title of man’s best friend, through bravery, support or companionship.

Nominations have already been flooding in and the Kennel Club is now making a final call for nominations from people who feel that their life, or the life of somebody that they know, has been changed dramatically by their dog. The deadline for nominations is 20 December and the final five will be announced early in the New Year. The winner will be chosen by public vote and will be announced on Sunday 14 March 2010 in the main arena at the NEC in Birmingham, before the grand finale of the DFS Crufts Best in Show award.

Amongst last year’s nominees were a police dog that helped to save its handler in a frenzied attack; a former army hero’s new best friend; a hearing dog that changed seven-year-old Evie Crook’s life and the winner was Brock, a search and rescue dog, owned by Lou Holmes, who saved or changed countless lives. His work included finding the body of Dr David Kelly, providing closure for his family.

Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club spokesperson, said: “Friends for Life is an opportunity to celebrate and reward those dogs who quietly go about changing people’s lives in their own unique and special way. The nominations last year were extremely touching and we are looking forward to hearing from the many people out there who will want the opportunity to tell the world just how much their dog has changed their life for the better.

“Friends for Life is just one aspect of DFS Crufts that celebrates the diverse role that dogs play in society and the way that they enrich our lives.”

To nominate a dog please email details of why you think the dog should win the award to Andrea Peters at andrea.peters@thekennelclub.org.uk. Or you can write to Andrea Peters, The Kennel Club, 1-5 Clarges Street, Piccadilly, London W1J 8AB.