A dog has proved that beauty is more than skin deep after Mugly was crowned the pet hero of 2015.

Cambs Times: Pet hero of the year, Mugly from PeterboroughPet hero of the year, Mugly from Peterborough (Image: Archant)

Mugly, who has previously won the coveted World’s Ugliest Dog title, helps others despite his own difficult background.

Dropped at a rescue centre when he was just three days old, 11-year-old Mugly is easily recognised due to being hairless apart from one quirky eyebrow, but it was his gentle nature and big heart which really stood out to PetSafe® and the judges.

Winner Bev Nicholson, from Peterborough, said: “Mugly is a sweet, calm and sensitive dog who instantly knows how to behave in various situations.

“He amazes me with his ability to know exactly how to be when he meets people. With a blind person he stands completely still and lets them explore him, or when someone is upset he pushes his body into them for comfort.

Cambs Times: Pet hero of the year, Mugly from PeterboroughPet hero of the year, Mugly from Peterborough (Image: Archant)

I could just burst with pride when a child bumps into us with their parents who are saying ‘don’t touch the dog’ and the child replies ‘oh that’s OK, that’s Mugly, he won’t hurt me, he helps me to read’.”

Mugly regularly visits locals schools as part of the Read to Dogs scheme, which encourages nervous readers to speak out loud to dogs to boost their confidence, and also takes part in initiatives to help children feel comfortable around animals.

He also regularly visits adults with learning difficulties and sensory loss and is a certified pets as therapy dog.

When he is not working with vulnerable adults and children, you will find Mugly raising money for numerous charities including Cinque Ports Rescue, Guide Dogs for the Blind, The Chinese Crested Club of GB Rescue and Many Tears Animal Rescue.

PetSafe® spokesperson Angela Critchley said: “It was incredibly difficult for us to choose this year’s Pet Hero - we received so many great entries about pets making a fantastic difference to the lives of their owners and local community.

“In the end it was Mugly’s story of overcoming his own differences to become a much loved local hero, who enriches the lives of so many vulnerable people, that touched us the most.”

Mugly and owner Bev will now enjoy a stay with Sykes pet friendly cottages and a year’s supply of pet products, worth more than £1,000.