Stella, a nine-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier, becomes one of five finalists in the Kennel Club Hero Dog Awards, which is a celebration of the unique bond shared with dogs and their heroic feats.

Stella worked as a police dog for Gloucestershire Constabulary for eight-and-a-half years before retiring.

She was rescued by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) after being found wandering the streets of Taunton as a stray and was referred to the police after being recognised for her skills.

In her career, alongside owner PC Claire Todd, Stella has recovered thousands of pounds worth of cash, drugs and three firearms. She has also helped people overcome their fear of dogs during school and community talks.

Despite a sad start to life as an RSPCA rescue dog, Stella has overcome the odds to become the first Staffordshire Bull Terrier police dog in the UK in 2014.

PC Claire Todd, who has been working as a dog handler for 18 years, said: “She spends more time with me than my partner.

“She’s so special, she’s been an incredible dog. She’s part of our family and she’s now living life enjoying being spread out on the sofa and being spoilt rotten.”

The winner will be announced by The Kennel Club Hero Dog Award’s Kay Burley on the final day of Crufts, on Sunday 12 March.

The winner of the award will receive £5,000 from the Kennel Club Charitable Trust for the dog charity of their choice, with the other finalists receiving a £1,000 donation to their chosen canine charity.

(Source: BBC)