Forest Lake Dog Owners Urged to Vie for National Glory and $20,000 Prize

Forest Lake dog owners have a golden opportunity to showcase their four-legged best mates on the national stage as the hunt begins for the country’s most inspiring canine.

Celebrating Aussie Mateship

The search for the 2026 Australian Dog of the Year is officially underway, with nominations closing on Monday, 12 January 2026. Now in its sixth year, the awards hosted by Puppy Tales aim to recognise the dogs that capture the true Australian spirit of friendship, courage, and love. The competition is looking for unsung heroes who make a difference in their communities, from family homes in Forest Lake to schools and hospitals across the country.

Kerry Martin, the founder of Puppy Tales and an award-winning pet photographer, said the awards are about shining a light on dogs that change lives without asking for anything in return. She noted that whether a dog is a hard-working farm hand, a therapy animal, or simply a best friend who helps their owner through tough times, every story deserves to be told. The winners will be announced on Australia Day, 26 January 2026.

Big Rewards for Good Dogs

This year, the stakes are higher than ever with a total prize pool valued at $20,000. The prizes are distributed among winners, nominees, and even voters, ensuring that everyone involved has a chance to win. The overall winner will receive a $1,000 donation to a charity of their choice, a ‘Bailey’ photography collection worth over $4,000, and a personalised trophy.

There are also specific categories for the People’s Choice award and the ARAS (All Rescues Are Special) Medal. To encourage early participation, anyone who nominates a dog before the deadline will enter a weekly draw to win $200 gift cards for Golden BARKery Treats. This initiative is supported by Sunday the Rottweiler, the 2025 Paws-itive Change Award winner, who wanted to share the love with other dogs.

Inspiration from Previous Winners

The bar has been set high by the 2025 Australian Dog of the Year, Elle. A deaf rescue dog from Queensland, Elle supports school children who face anxiety and behavioural challenges. She communicates through sign language and has become such an integral part of her school community that she is even included in the staff photos.

The judging panel for the 2026 awards will include Elle’s owner, Robyn Adair, alongside Agnes Beugnon from Australian Dog Lover and Kerry Martin. They are looking for dogs that represent the diversity of Australia, from fearless police dogs to the quiet companions who provide comfort at home. Forest Lake locals with dogs that fit this description are encouraged to step forward and share their stories.

How to Get Involved

Nominations are open to all dogs, including service animals, therapy dogs, and family pets. The deadline to enter is 8pm on 12 January 2026. Once the finalists are selected, they will be announced on 14 January, and the public will have the chance to vote for the People’s Choice winner until 23 January.

Residents can head to the Puppy Tales website to submit their nominations. With the strong community spirit in Forest Lake, a local dog could very well be the next national champion.

Published Date 03-December-2025

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