Friend of the podcast, Rachel Rodgers has had fantastic news about her clever dog Rico:
Assistance Dog Rico 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, Rico 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.
Rico, partnered with his owner Rachel Rodgers, works with Nose to Trail and The Canine School of Trailing, supporting communities across the UK through his exceptional pet trailing abilities. Rescued from a Portuguese pound just days before euthanasia, Rico’s journey from an unwanted dog to a nationally respected working partner is a testament to resilience, dedication, and the transformative power of second chances.
Throughout his remarkable career, Rico has demonstrated outstanding natural talent for scent work, becoming a highly skilled trailing dog whose efforts have reunited countless missing pets with their families. His involvement in real life searches — from tracking dogs across challenging terrain to contributing vital information that guides search teams — has brought relief, closure, and hope to owners in distress. Notably, his work on the high profile search for Cinnamon the capybara showcased his adaptability and professionalism under unusual circumstances. Rico’s achievements also include progressing to Expert Level trailing and helping shape ethical, force free trailing practices across the UK, inspiring instructors, dog owners, and rescue advocates.
Rico is an extraordinary ambassador for rescue dogs, proving what is possible when belief, patience, and partnership come together. His compassion, determination, and life changing impact on both Rachel and the wider community make him a truly exceptional working dog whose legacy will continue to inspire for years to come.
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 Rico has been recognised as a finalist in the UK Service Dogs Rescue 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 Rico 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, Rico 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 Rico on this well-deserved recognition and wishes them every success at the awards evening on 1 October.