Clowne: Schoolgirl who lost her mum, grandmother and best friend in just two years has reached the finals of dog show Crufts with her crossbreed, Roxy

Roxy and Olivia Lawrence, who attends Heritage High School in Clowne, won the Child’s Best Friend class semi-final at Eukanuba Discover Dogs at ExCeL London in October and are now preparing for the final in the main arena at Crufts 2016.

Roxy has been a lifesaver for Olivia, 14, after she lost her mother, her grandmother and her best friend in just two years.

Olivia’s aunt, Pauline Lawrence, said: “Over the past few tragic years, Olivia started to become isolated, depressed and anxious, hesitant to talk to people she didn’t know. Things improved when Roxy came into her life, which brought me so much happiness.

“After three months of having Roxy, you could easily see the difference in Olivia, they started to train together and were always playing with each other. Olivia was laughing and smiling again, I had never seen her so happy.”

Several months ago Olivia decided to take Roxy to dog shows and they both loved it.

Olivia said: “It was the best dog show I have ever been to, I have never seen something so amazing.

“Roxy has changed my life so much and I love her with all my heart for that.

“If anyone is in the same position as I have been, I would advise them to reach out for help and, if it’s right for them, I would strongly suggest considering getting a dog because, when you take care of them properly, they will love you no matter what.”

Together, Roxy and Olivia are getting ready to compete at Crufts 2016 where guest judge and famous author and dog lover Jilly Cooper will be making the difficult decision of choosing the Scruffts Family Crossbreed Dog of the Year.

Olivia said: “I’m going to cry I’m really overwhelmed. It was my first time at Discover Dogs I’m so excited for Crufts.”