Bond forged between Kinglassie man and Cruft's nominee Sasha

Jamie Dryburgh, of Lochty Drive, put forward his three-year-old German Shepherd Sasha, who he first got because his old dog was on its last legs.

The Kennel Club’s Eukanuba Friends for Life competition celebrates heart-warming stories of friendship in adversity, where dogs have truly earned the title of man’s best friend, through bravery, support or companionship.

The bond has proved to be a two-way relationship too with Jamie barely wanting to go outside before meeting Sasha due to his autism.

Such has been the turnaround, Jamie now travels all around the country and the 23-year-old admits he would be nowhere without his beloved Sasha.

“When I first got Sasha I was in such a bad state, I didn’t have much of a life to be honest. I just sat inside and hid all day,” he said.

“Sasha has changed my life immensely. There was a time when I would sit on the computer for 16 hours a day.

“But Sasha is such a lovely dog. I could tell she cared about me and she in return helped me to come out of my shell.

“Reaching the final or even winning would mean a lot for me. I would love to see Sasha appearing in something like that.

“I hope it would inspire other people with autism because I never used to go out and since I have had Sasha I travel all around the country.

“Crufts is just the top when it comes to the dog world. It would be a dream come true.”

If they make it as far as the final, Jamie and Sasha will enjoy a trip out for the Kennel Club’s Eukanuba Friends for Life showpiece on March 13 at Birmingham’s NEC.

Crufts, run by the Kennel Club, is a unique celebration of happy, healthy dogs and will this year be celebrating its 125th anniversary.

Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club spokesperson, said: “Jamie and Sasha are thoroughly deserving of this nomination and the Kennel Club wishes them luck in the Eukanuba Friends for Life competition. We have been honoured to hear about the hundreds of dogs throughout the UK who are making a profound difference to people’s lives.

“Each and every one of the finalists has helped to change and save lives in their own unique and special way.”