A FORMER NHS worker from Keighley has spoken of how her beloved dog has helped her battle through serious illness.

And Gillian Cowen is taking to a famous show arena when she competes with Portuguese Podengo, Walter, at Crufts.

Gillian had to medically retire, after more than two decades working in the health service, when she caught Covid three years ago.

She says Walter, and the support of her family, has kept her going.

"Being able to carry on with the dog showing is just about the only thing from my life pre-Covid that has continued," says Gillian, 55.

"Walter, the dog showing and friends I've made because of that have been the constant.

"It's been really amazing; Walter has kept me going and keeps me feeling like me."

And Gillian has noticed a change in his character since she became ill.

"He wasn’t allowed upstairs before I was poorly but when I was bedbound he used to come up and check on me," she says.

"Previously he would like to know where I was, but would keep an eye on me from afar. However he started jumping up on the bed to keep me company.

"He could tell if I was feeling particularly down, which I was quite a lot then. He’d come and sit on my lap and cuddle me.

"He's really intuitive and knows my feelings before I do! He knows when I need him, and he's always there for me."

Gillian says she "somewhat stumbled" into dog showing after providing company for her daughter at shows, but now loves it and is looking forward to Crufts – which starts on Thursday (March 7).

"I used to think the whole dog showing world was a bit ‘showy-offy’ but it’s a wonderful, social group of generous people," she says.

"I love the camaraderie. There is always someone to chat to. And all the lovely dogs!

"Crufts is a unique celebration of happy, healthy dogs and the loving relationship that they enjoy with their owners."

Gillian pays tribute to husband Philip and her daughters for their "amazing" support and encouragement.

"My whole family has got involved and rallied round to make sure I can keep attending the shows," she adds. "My family’s support means everything to me."

Crufts, staged by the Kennel Club, runs from Thursday until Sunday, March 10, at the NEC Birmingham. TV coverage can be seen on Channel 4.