WATCH: Meet Baloo, the 3-legged retired police dog, winner of Kennel Club Hero Dog Award

CapeTalk's Clarence Ford interviews Barbara Friedman about this and other trending news on social media.

Listen below (skip to 05:22):

A retired Essex police dog that was struck by a car has been honoured with The Kennel Club Hero Dog Award at Crufts 2025, following an overwhelming public vote that saw nearly 120,000 votes cast.

Baloo (8), a Belgian Malinois, was injured in 2018 when suspects fleeing a crime scene hit her with their car, resulting in the amputation of one of her legs.

Alongside her owner, Mandy Chapman, Baloo now visits schools, care homes, and community groups to support mental health initiatives and bring comfort to those in need.

At Crufts, the duo was presented with their award and a generous £5,000 donation for their chosen charity, the Essex Retired Police Dog Fund.

"She proves that however hard things get, you can get through it. She is super soppy and sharing her is so rewarding. I love every second of it," said Chapman.

Meet Baloo and Chapman below:

"They are so inspirational."

- Barbara Friedman

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.