Odin, a two-year-old XL Bully from Basingstoke, has been nominated for the prestigious Working Dog of the Year award at the Animal Star Awards 2025. Odin and his owner, Amy Heyes, 32, from Sherborne Fields, are recognized for their incredible work together as part of the Drone SAR For Lost Dogs UK team.
The nomination comes as a pleasant surprise to Amy, who shares that Odin is still relatively new to scent tracking but has already demonstrated impressive skills. “Odin is fantastic,” Amy says, despite the challenges they face, including Odin’s need to work muzzled and leashed due to the breed restrictions.
Odin, who will be three years old in May, has been volunteering for about a year and a half. Together with Amy, they help track the scent of missing and trapped dogs, playing a vital role in reunions between lost pets and their owners. “We’ve had success in reuniting a number of lost dogs,” Amy notes. Their work involves tracking scents, guiding owners to the correct locations, and ensuring the right timing for a safe reunion.
However, not all of their searches end with a joyful reunion. Amy reflects on the tough reality of their work, sharing that Odin has located two deceased dogs during their searches. While these outcomes are heartbreaking, Amy says the owners were deeply grateful for the closure.
Despite the occasional heartache, the team’s efforts are invaluable. “Sometimes a scent isn’t picked up at all, but we always do our best,” Amy says. Odin’s dedication and hard work, along with Amy’s commitment to the cause, have made them deserving finalists for the prestigious award, celebrating their bond and impact on the community.
The Animal Star Awards ceremony will be held in May, where Odin and other working dogs will be recognized for their contributions to society.