'Inspirational' Brooke, 8, secures special award for her work at Husky rescue centre

Earlier this week, the district fell in love with the eight-year-old from Featherstone, when word spread that she had been nominated for a special award in a national competition.

Brooke had been anonymously put forward to win an Animal Star Award in the Young Animal Hero category for the work she’s done for her Mum’s dog rescue charity, 8 Below Husky Rescue' in Wakefield.

And although she didn’t receive first place, Brooke won a well deserved Highly Commended award for her efforts.

Mum Jade said: “She’s so over the moon bless her, she’s so happy she’s placed in the awards.

“With all the negativity in the world at the moment, this has been such a positive experience for Brooke because she’s such a big part in the rescue.

“It’s amazing that a young girl from Featherstone has received an award for all the positive work she does and I really hope that she inspires other kids to do good things in their communities.

“I’m so proud of her and she’s so amazing with the dogs, it’s nice that her hard work is getting recognised.”

Since day one, Brooke has been a big part of the rescue - in the summer of 2020, she raised over £2,000 for the charity by peddling 50 miles.

And she frequently helps her mum at the shelter, by interacting with the rescue dogs so mum Jade can assess whether they’re fit to be adopted by households with children.

But Brooke said her favourite way to help the charity is by hosting the tombolas at Pets At Home Pontefract, which is one of 8 Below’s registered charity partners.

Jade said: “She’s been brought up around dogs all her life, so she’s naturally so compassionate when it comes to animals.

“She’s a very calm natured girl, and I think the dogs know that - she has such a calming presence and the dogs can sense her innocence and it really settles them in.

“All in all, Brooke helps the adoption process, when people see how the dogs interact with her it’s easier for them to visualise how the dog will interact with children in the home.

“She couldn’t be more happy with her Highly Commended award - and she really deserves it!”