Lee Hampson and Lance have served on the front lines of Afghanistan after being teamed up for four years.

But while Lee is a Private from Ellesmere Port, Lance is a Labrador Retriever.

The pair worked together in Afghanistan, with Lance thriving in his role as an Arms and Explosive Search dog.

Now nine and enjoying well-earned retirement, Lance lives with Lee as his pet, and the unique bond between the two during such dangerous circumstances has seen them progress to the finals of the Friends for Life competition, organised by the Kennel Club.

They have been chosen as the finalist from the Extraordinary Life of a Working Dog category, and Lee admitted his relationship with his faithful pooch is something very special indeed.

“I’ve been in my 1 Military Working Dog Regiment for seven years and worked with Lance for four,” said Lee, 27.

“I first got him just before I was deployed to Afghanistan. He’s extraordinary for the job role he does and the kind of character he is, and the effect he’s had on me.  

“He provides an extra bit of security and searching vehicles for firearms and explosives. Operationally in Afghanistan, he’s found lots of stuff.

“Our personalities work so well – we just bounce off each other and work really well together – it’s quite hard to put into words, really.

“Got him just before last Christmas as a pet. Lives with me permanently. When I take him home, it’s just me and my mum, and when he’s on camp he lives in my room.”

The Kennel Club wants to celebrate and share the amazing stories of how dogs give back to us every day of our lives. The overall winner will be announced in the NEC arena at Crufts 2019. 


The winner will also be awarded £5,000 and the runners up will each receive – for their nominated canine charity – £1,000 from the Kennel Club Charitable Trust – helping to make a difference for dogs. 

“It means a lot to me to have got this far and will be a really nice touch, especially the timing of it, he’s worked all his life and to win the award will be really good for him, a nice retirement present for him,” added Lee.

“Apart from being a bit nervous going on the television, it will be really good to win it. I don’t think many people have won it in my regiment before and I will be really chuffed.”