A qualified veterinary nurse from Grotton who has a famous dog and travels the country teaching canine first aid has been nominated for a national award.
Rachel Bean is considered the UK's leading canine first aider having wrote the industry-leading iPET Network qualification in the subject.
She also happens to be the beloved owner of Chilli, a fox red Labrador who won the nation's hearts as Linda Biscuits on comedian Joe Lycett's hit Channel 4 show, Late Night Lycett.
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But Rachel's dedication to raising awareness to canine first aid and making homes and pet services safer, which often sees Chilli help with demonstrations, has been recognised at a high level by reaching the finals of the Dog Friendly Awards 2023.
Rachel, who will get to know if she has won the award at a glitzy awards bash in the new year, said: "I am absolutely thrilled to be recognised in this way.
"Life isn't all about awards and accolades, but things like this show that people are seeing the benefits of canine first aid, and that attitudes are heading in the right direction."
Rachel is an ambassador for the national Safe Pets and People campaign, which is calling for all pet professionals to have first aid training.
She has also travelled to countries including India and Thailand to teach her skills, and learners have saved lives as a result.
Rachel added: "Having first aid training enables you to think clearly and calmly in a crisis, I regularly get feedback from people who have been on my courses that have said they saved their dog's life."
This includes Daily Star pet columnist Catherine Lamb, who completed the Ofqual regulated iPET Network Canine First Aid qualification for a newspaper feature.
She said: "My dog Paisley was choking on a piece of cupcake, thanks to the course I knew exactly what to do and managed to get it out.
"The course may very well have saved her life, so it makes us even prouder to support Safe Pets and People."
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