A “life-saving” assistance dog from Karnup has won hearts around the country, taking out the people’s choice award at the Oz Top Dog competition.
Karnup resident Krystal Jose has been inseparable from three-year-old German shepherd Kyah since she got her as a puppy to help her deal with issues related to autism and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Ms Jose said Kyah had helped her through some trying times over the past two years, saving her life “multiple times”.
“She helps me get through every single day,” she said.
“Kyah stopped me physically and emotionally from the end. She refused to let me go.
“Kyah knows when she needs to be calm and supportive and gives the best cuddles and we love adventures together.”
People2people Recruitment runs the annual national Oz Top Dog competition, which this year garnered more than 20,000 votes.
Ms Jose said she entered “special” Kyah in the competition to thank her for everything she does and “get the recognition she deserves”.
“We sometimes go to visit aged care homes with Kyah and others with disabilities, and the smiles that come on everyone’s faces when seeing her completely melts my heart,” she said.
“It makes me so happy to be able to share her heart of gold and share the happiness she brings to everyone.”
Ms Jose said she was able to have Kyah as an assistance dog thanks to fundraising and support from local businesses, particularly Mug N Brush and TJK Events.
Follow Kyah on Instagram @assistance_dog_kyah.
