Owner tells the audience that Lola had helped her when she was at a low point in her life

Rescue dog Lola stole the show at Crufts by winning the ‘Scrufts’ title and capturing the hearts of the audience.

While Crufts is famous for showcasing pedigree breeds, it also celebrates crossbreeds, with categories including Prettiest Bitch, Most Handsome Dog, Golden Oldie Crossbreed, and Good Citizen Dog Scheme.

Each dog had a heartwarming story, but Lola’s tale particularly touched the judges.

Her owner, Bex Hall, told the audience how Lola had helped her through a difficult time when she was struggling with postpartum depression after a traumatic birth. Bex said: “I was pretty much housebound,” but adopting Lola changed everything, allowing her to go out, meet new people and try new things.

The judge announced Lola as the winner, saying that if Lola hadn’t entered Bex’s life, “things could’ve taken a turn for the worse,” and Bex “had another human to take care of”.

Despite being a rescue dog, Lola is now “living her best life.”, reports the Express. The other Scruffts finalists also had compelling stories to share. Chester, a lively terrier mix adopted by Jody Hall, clinched the Most Handsome Dog title.

He heroically saved Jody from a house fire in the middle of the night by alerting his sleeping owner to the life-threatening situation. The Golden Oldie Crossbreed award went to Miley, a small vanilla-coloured dog who loves chasing her ball and digging holes.

Kevin Norcott rescued the 10-year-old mutt. Marnie, the winner of the Good Citizen Dog Scheme category, was saved by Lyn Freeman from a kill shelter in Romania when she was two-and-a-half years old.

Despite not being her own, Marnie was found with three puppies, for whom she produced milk and fed, saving their lives. Despite her traumatic past, Marnie has blossomed into a confident member of Lyn’s family.