A Chipping Norton Freemason’s therapy dog and his owner were recognised on a national stage at this year’s Crufts, as they represented Therapy Dogs Nationwide and were honoured for their exceptional work in schools and the community.
Richard Tew, a resident of Chipping Norton and member of Evenlode Norton Lodge, attended Crufts 2025 with his six-year-old Labrador, Gilbert. The pair joined fellow volunteers and trustees on the Therapy Dogs Nationwide stand, raising awareness about the charity’s impactful work across the UK.
Therapy Dogs Nationwide is a self-funding charity that places temperament-assessed dogs and their volunteer handlers into a wide range of establishments including hospitals, care homes, schools, prisons, universities, and even courtrooms. The organisation does not offer individual or home visits, and all therapy dogs live with their volunteer owners.
While at Crufts, Richard and Gilbert also took part in a session on the Kennel Club’s Bark and Read Stand. The Bark and Read initiative encourages children of all reading levels to improve their literacy by reading aloud to dogs in a calm, non-judgmental environment. Gilbert and Richard regularly support this initiative at Stonesfield County Primary School, where students read to Gilbert during weekly visits.
In recognition of their dedication and impact, Richard and Gilbert were awarded the prestigious Bonnie Burn Trophy for Outstanding Work in Schools. The award, named after Bonnie—a legendary therapy dog who received the Blue Cross Medal in 2015 for her service—honours dogs and handlers who go above and beyond in educational settings. Bonnie passed away in 2017 at the age of 16.
Beyond their work in schools, Richard and Gilbert also visit four care homes and multiple prisons, and frequently attend group therapy dog events, offering emotional support and comfort to countless individuals.
For more information about Therapy Dogs Nationwide, including how to request a visit or become a volunteer, please contact: enquiries@tdn.org.uk
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