Sussex four-legged hero is finalist in national service dogs award

Medical Detection Dog Mae has been announced as a finalist in the prestigious UK Service Dogs Awards 2026, which will take place on Thursday 1 October 2026 at the UK Service Dogs Conference & Awards at Avisford Park Hotel, West Sussex. The event celebrates the extraordinary contribution that service dogs and their handlers make to communities across the United Kingdom.

Selected by an independent panel of judges, Mae was chosen from a large and highly competitive field of nominations submitted from across the UK. Reaching the final is a significant achievement and reflects the exceptional standards demonstrated by these remarkable dog partnerships.

Mae, a highly trained medical alert dog, works in partnership with her handler, Laura, supporting her daily across Hailsham and the wider local area. Together, they form an extraordinary team whose bond goes far beyond function. Mae is Laura’s pet dog trained with the support of Medical Detection Dogs. Mae’s role is vital: she alerts to Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), giving Laura crucial seconds to reach safety before she faints — a lifesaving intervention described as “the difference between a dangerous situation and a manageable one.”

Throughout her exceptional career, Mae has enabled Laura to reclaim independence, from returning to university to complete her PhD in cancer research to safely leaving the house, riding horses with the RDA, and participating confidently in public events. Witnesses describe Mae’s calm professionalism, noting that “the moment she has her working harness on – Mae is in work mode,” and her ability to alert even across an arena. Her presence in hospital and rehabilitation settings has uplifted staff, patients, and families, while providing continuous medical vigilance.

Mae is more than a service dog — she is a steadfast companion whose intelligence, devotion, and unwavering focus have transformed Laura’s life. Their partnership embodies trust, resilience, and the profound impact an assistance dog can have. Mae’s legacy is one of independence restored, hope renewed, and a bond that inspires all who witness it.

The UK Service Dogs Awards, a collaboration between charities Service Dogs UK and The National Foundation of Retired Service Animals (NFRSA), that recognises excellence across a wide range of service dog roles, including assistance, wellbeing, therapy, military, emergency services, rescue and lifesaving dogs, highlighting the profound impact these animals have on people's lives and wider society.

Being named a finalist is an honour. It reflects the dedication, professionalism, compassion, and commitment that service dogs and their handlers demonstrate every day.

The event organisers said: "We are absolutely delighted that Mae has been recognised as a finalist in the UK Service Dogs Assistance Dog Medal of Honour. To be selected by the judging panel from so many nominations is a tremendous achievement. This recognition highlights the incredible difference that service dogs make and acknowledges the outstanding standards that Mae represents."

The UK Service Dogs Conference & Awards brings together organisations, practitioners, researchers, volunteers, and supporters from across the sector to celebrate the life-changing impact of service dog partnerships. The awards ceremony forms part of a national event dedicated to recognising outstanding achievement, service, and innovation throughout the service dog community.

As a finalist, Mae joins an elite group of dogs, handlers and organisations that represent the very best of the UK's service dog sector. Their selection is a testament not only to their individual achievements but also to the wider contribution that service dogs make in enhancing wellbeing, supporting independence, saving lives and strengthening communities.

Everyone associated with the UK Service Dogs Awards extends their congratulations to Mae on this well-deserved recognition and wishes them every success at the awards evening on 1 October.