Award-winning guide dog is 'one-in-a-million'

A guide dog has been given a national award to recognise his life of service.

Ridley, an 11-year-old black Labrador-cross golden retriever, from Dawlish, Devon, scooped the Hero Dog Award at the Guide Dogs People Awards for 2025.

It recognised his work, not only as a guide dog, but his continued contribution as an ambassador dog, therapy dog, and loyal companion to his owners Peter and Marylou Boston, ceremony organisers said.

Mr Boston said: "Ridley is an extraordinary dog whose life has been defined by loyalty, service and kindness. He's one-in-a-million and I'm so proud of him."

After growing up in the Midlands, Ridley was trained in Weston-Super-Mare, Somerset, and Exeter, Devon, before he settled in North Devon for eight years.

After he retired as a guide dog, he was adopted by Mr and Mrs Boston, who work with Torbay and District Guide Dogs.

Since then, Ridley has accompanied Mr Boston as he gave talks on guide dogs, as well as working with the charity Therapy Dogs Nationwide, Peter and Marylou told John Acres on BBC Radio Devon.

"He goes into hospitals, hospices, schools, universities, and anywhere he is needed," Mr Boston said.

"He has also been trained on a scheme called Paws and Read, so he can listen to children read so they have confidence as they grow older."

Mr Boston said Ridley had also been "such a loyal companion" to him personally as he had experienced health issues over the years.

"I had a heart attack, a quadruple bypass, then I had sepsis, and he was there for 24 hours with me.

"It was fantastic because his job kicked in and he wouldn't leave my side."

As well as Ridley, Mr and Mrs Boston have rehomed retired guide dog Clara, who also lives with them.

"They're both two different characters, really," he said.

"Ridley is certainly a people's dog, whereas Clara is chilled."

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