A labrador called Scooby, who twice saved his teenage owner from slipping into a potentially fatal diabetic coma, is in line for a top prize

The hero dog, who belongs to 13-year-old Sophie-Alice Pearman, has made the final of the Eukanuba Friends for Life competition at Crufts.

Sophie, who lives in Rolvenden Road, Tenterden, was born prematurely with hydrocephalus and spina bifida.

The teenager also has type 1 diabetes and her canine companion alerts her to changes in her blood sugar before she can detect them herself because he is able sniff out subtle changes in body odour that indicate a problem.

The devoted dog has twice woken the family at night when Sophie-Alice’s blood sugars had shot up to dangerous levels during her sleep and the youngster has been taken to intensive care at William Harvey Hospital for emergency treatment.

Scooby is one of four dogs to reach the final of the competition at Crufts, which celebrates the remarkable bond between dog and owner.

Sophie’s life has been transformed by her loyal labrador. Before he arrived in the family at eight-weeks-old, she was withdrawn, depressed and felt different to other children.

The teenager, who has had seven major brain operations is now brimming with confidence with loyal Scooby by her side. She said: “We go everywhere together. Because of Scooby, I have everything I need – a life-saving best friend.

“Scooby has introduced me to the world of dog training and I’ve gained lots of new friends and really come out of my shell.”

The winner of the Friends for Life competition will receive £1,500 for the charity of their choice, with the other finalists receiving £1,000.

Actor and judge Martin Clunes said: “The quality this year is as high as it’s ever been in this competition.

“It testifies how many amazing heroic relationships there are between people and their dogs.

“It is a massive honour for the owners that their wonderful dogs get the recognition they deserve. Congratulations to Scooby and Sophie.”

The winner will be chosen by public vote and announced on March 13 at Crufts, which is taking place at the NEC in Birmingham.

All profits from votes will be donated to the Kennel Club Charitable Trust.