A rescue dog called Lola managed to capture the Crufts' audience hearts as she trotted away with the 'Scrufts' title at the world-renowned event. Although best known for featuring pedigree breeds, the event at the NEC, in Birmingham, also celebates crossbreeds.

Today (Saturday) in the main arena, the Scruffts finalists of the Prettiest Bitch, Most Handsome Dog, Golden Oldie Crossbreed, and Good Citizen Dog Scheme categories went head-to-head in the Best in Show finale. While every dog participating had a heartwarming story, one adorable pooch’s tale, in particular, deeply touched the jury.

Lola, a beautiful little black-and-white Whippet mix, claimed the overall title after her owner told the audience how she had helped her when she was at her a low point in her life.

Bex Hall said Lola came into her world while she was struggling with postpartum depression after enduring a traumatic birth.

“I was pretty much housebound,” she said. But after adopting Lola, Bex was finally able to go out, meet new people, and "try new things". 

Announcing the Scruffts winner, a judge told the crowd that Lola had earned the prize because had the dog not entered Bex’s life, "things could’ve taken a turn for the worse," and Bex "had another human to take care of." Lola might be a rescue animal, but she is now "living her best life."

The other Scruffts finalists also had moving stories. Chester, who was adopted by Jody Hall, won the Most Handsome Dog category. The active terrier mix saved Jody from a house fire in the middle of the night. after alerting his sleeping owner from the life threatening situation.

Little vanilla-coloured Miley took the gong for the Golden Oldie Crossbreed. The 10-year-old mutt, who loves to chase her ball and digging holes was rescued by her owner, Kevin Norcott.

Marnie, who won the Good Citizen Dog Scheme category, was rescued by Lyn Freeman when she was two-and-half-years-old from a kill shelter in Romania. When she was rescued, she was found with three puppies that weren’t her own.

However, she produced milk and fed them, ultimately saving their lives. And despite her traumatic experiences, Marnie has grown to become a confident member of Lyn’s family.