CARE home boss Julie Cashell is proud as pooch of her nine-year-old dog Ellie May.

The caring canine is in the running for a special award at top dogs show Crufts in recognition of the support she provides to residents at the Oaklands Care Home in Llangynidr where Julie is the manager.

The Lhaso Apso dog is one of four finalists in the Eukanuba Friends for Life competition run by the Kennel Club and designed to celebrate uplifting stories of friendship in adversity.

"She makes life for so many people liveable and that's what we focus on in our home, making every day count and she is very much a part of our staff team to help us do that," said Julie of the dog who lives at Oaklands.

The overall Friends for Life winner will be determined by an online vote and you can support Ellie May http://www.crufts.org.uk/content/eukanuba-friends-for-life-2015/&quot">http://www.crufts.org.uk/content/eukanuba-friends-for-life-2015/" target="_blank">here.

For more on this story see this week's Brecon & Radnor Express - on sale now