MONMOUTH Guide Dog Garth, the eyes and ears of local resident Gerry Newman, has been Highly Commended as part of the prestigious Guide Dog of the Year Awards 2008.

The Awards aim to recognise the amazing work of the UK's 4,600 guide dogs who provide valuable independence and life-changing freedom to their blind or partially-sighted owners.

Four year-old, yellow Golden Retriever x Labrador Garth was nominated for the Life Changing category of the awards due to the huge difference made to his owner's life.

Gerry has dual sensory loss and since moving to Monmouth from Guildford two years ago, her hearing has deteriorated steadily.

Although Garth is a qualified guide dog, he was also trained as a hearing dog to meet Gerry's requirements.

Having been assessed and approved, he should qualify later this summer. He will change Gerry's life hugely with these additional skills.

"I wouldn't be without him for the world, he means everything to me," Gerry told the Beacon earlier this month.

As with her other dogs, Ted and Earl, Gerry has built up a very special partnership with Garth.

"They were all quite different - I've always had a bond with all my dogs but because I've been on my own with this one - my husband was alive when I had the other two - there's a really special, solid bond between us, which is hard to explain.

"Garthy is a real character! He's quite sensitive and it takes a lot of hard work, not just from me but from the dog too, to qualify as a dual dog.

"There are other dual dogs out there - but I think Garth is the first to have been with someone for so long and then go off to train as a hearing dog."

Gerry and Garth's relationship is built on trust and teamwork which brings Gerry freedom and independence and, best of all companionship.

He has also helped her make new friends - "People see us out walking together or in coffee shops in the town and they start to chat - it's all down to him!"

Vicky Bell of Guide Dogs commented: "Although all our guide dogs are extraordinary in their own right, the Guide Dog of the Year Awards recognise some of those dogs that are truly outstanding, having completely changed the life of their owner, shown outstanding work or gone above and beyond the call of duty in their amazing work."

Those dogs that have been lucky enough to progress through to the next round of the Awards won't find out if they have won the national award until the ceremony which is being held at the Kennel Club in London on 8 September.