Teenager with autism narrowly misses out on Crufts award

A teenager from Cornwall who has autism narrowly missed out on an award with his dog at Crufts.

The pair were in the final of the Eukanuba Friends for Life category which celebrates service and support dogs.

Joel Sayer from Newquay said Caddie is his guardian angel.

Before he arrived the 13 year old had never smiled, and often refused to leave the house.

Here is what Joel had to say about Caddie:

Caddie was trained to work with a child with autism by the charity Dogs for Good.

There are special commands he follows but a lot of what he does is instinctive.

He somehow senses when Joel feels stressed and will place his head or some of his body weight on Joel - gently de-stressing him.

Joel's mum Janet has spoken about the huge impact Caddie has had on their lives: