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 2016.

Sophie, who lives in Tenterden, was born prematurely with hydrocephalus (water on the brain) and spina bifida. The teenager also has type one diabetes and her canine companion Scooby alerts her to changes in her blood sugar before she can detect them herself because he is able sniff out the 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 rushed off to paediatric intensive care at the William Harvey Hospital, Ashford, for emergency treatment.

Two-year-old Scooby is one of just four dogs who have reached the final of the competition at Crufts, which celebrates the bond between dog and owner.

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life has been transformed by her loyal labrador, as before he arrived in the family at eight-weeks-old, she was withdrawn, depressed and felt different to other children.

The teenager, who has endured seven major brain operations, is now brimming with confidence with loyal Scooby by her side.

She said: “We go everywhere together. Now because of Scooby I have everything I need – a lifesaving 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."

Actor and Eukanuba Friends for Life 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 and the fact that dogs just simply keep on giving.

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

The winner, who be selected by public vote, will receive £1,500 from the Kennel Club Charitable Trust for the charity of their choice.

Crufts is taking place at the NEC, Birmingham, and the winner will be announced there on March 13, with voting closing at 2pm that day.

To vote for Scooby, text SCOOBY to 82727. Each text vote will cost £1 plus the standard network rate. All profits from votes will be donated to the Kennel Club Charitable Trust.