A YOUNG girl who credited her dog with saving her life has had more reason to cheer after the pair came home from Crufts adorned with medals.

Jess Powling and her dog Bella were brought together after the 16-year-old girl, who has additional needs, wrote a poem to her dad begging for a puppy.

After being moved by the penmanship, Bella was brought into the Powling family and has transformed Jess from never leaving her room and contemplating suicide to competing at the world-famous dog show.

The Muckhart girl and her younger sister Chloe went down to the competition with mum Harriet where they competed in a number of categories each with Bella.

Jess, 16, and Bella took part in the heal-work with music, any breed but collie agility and was part of the Scottish agility team.

Chloe, 13, and the five-year-old springer spaniel competed in the freestyle with music, obedience, junior rally and was also the only child in the adult rally.

Between the pair, they brought home four medals – two silvers, two bronze – as well as one fourth place finish.

Unfortunately for the pair, their categories, which were in conjunction with the Kennel Club, were not shown on television because of their age, but it didn't stop their mum being proud of them.

Harriet told the Advertiser: "They had a whale of a time. They came home over the moon and so excited. I was one very proud mum when we returned.

"It wasn't on the television. All the results were from the Kennel Club and they don't put the children on TV."

According to Harriet, there is a large Scottish contingent which travels south to the show, and she said they were an amazing help to her and the girls.

She continued: "The Scottish community who go down is fantastic. They all come down and support one another and cheer you on. They are amazing."

Jess told the Advertiser back in February that she owes Bella her life as she gave her the confidence to go and enjoy her life.

She said: "She has made a huge difference to my life because, to begin with, I didn't want to even get out of my bedroom, eat anything and I just didn't enjoy life.

"When we got Bella, it just started getting me out of my bedroom and want to go play with her, train and take her for walks. It boosted my confidence because I thought I couldn't do anything."

With her confidence going from strength to strength, Jess has now even started a land-based studies course at college – something that was not thought possible before Bella became a part of the family.

"When I go to college, I know I won't see her. But I know, she'll be at home waiting.

"That's the best bit about coming home and she's always happy to see you."