SHANYA the Shitzu has been nominated for a top canine award for being a faithful companion to her North-East owner.

Jackie Ogle put the one-year-old bitch forward for the Friskies Golden Bonio Awards after Shanya helped her cope with her elderly mother's illness.

Jackie, 37, of Washington, Wearside, adopted the dog from the Shitzu Rescue Society, in Chopwell, Gateshead. She had been handed in by her previous owner and was very nervous around strangers.

It was when Jackie discovered her mother, Jane Hawker, 74, was seriously ill, that she noticed a change in the dog's behaviour.

She said: "It was as though Shanya knew of my need for someone to bring me through all of this.

"We've both come through so much and Shanya is now an extremely loving and affectionate companion."

Shanya and Jackie's other Shitzu, Shogun, are popular visitors with old folk at Glebe Home, in Washington, where Mrs Hawker is a resident.

A celebrity panel including Anthea Turner, Ainsley Harriott and Gaby Roslin will select their top ten hounds from the national shortlist next month.

If Shanya reaches this stage, she and Jackie will be invited to attend a VIP dinner at London's Roof Gardens, in Kensington, in April.

The overall winner will be presented with a trophy and £1,000 by TV presenter Sue Barker.

Entries are invited for the competition until January 26. Write 200 words about what makes your dog special to Friskies Golden Bonio Awards 2001, Aspect Communications Group Limited, Freepost LON13713, London EC1B 8SJ.