When Ramsbottom resident Janet McPherson’s mother was suffering with Alzheimer’s, her Bearded Collie dog became a firm fixture in her Radcliffe care home.

Janet would take nine-year-old Merlin to visit her mother at Rose Court Care Home, where staff welcomed him onto her unit.

Merlin’s uplifting presence had such an impact on the elderly residents that he was invited to another care home in neighbouring Preston, despite not being an official Pets as Therapy dog.

Making his mark throughout the north west, it’s easy to see the magic spell Merlin holds on people of all ages, with his owner hopeful more is to come.

“It’s because he’s so cute and furry, and he’s very well behaved, that they allowed him in,” explains Janet, 62.

“At the first home my mum went into, I used to take Merlin and she would look out of the window and see him or come inside.

“But when she was told they couldn’t cope with her anymore because she kept escaping, she went to Rose Court, a lovely place.

“They were very good. Merlin started off doing this unofficial work. The elderly ladies there loved his company and he loved them, because he’s a very gentle dog.”

To celebrate the impact he has had on so many elderly people, Merlin will be rewarded at the 127th edition of Crufts this week, where the Bearded Collie Club are organising a special awards event.

Medals will be presented to Kennel Club breed-registered Bearded Collies that are actively working in a therapy dog capacity to celebrate their valuable contributions to their various communities.

It is the aim to recognise that although an active and intelligent breed they have adapted their wonderful and caring temperaments to work in the modern world.

“Wherever he goes he attracts a lot of attention, but he is very good with older people and he seems to sense if they have a problem,” says Janet.

“He sits by their wheelchairs, and they like to give him treats. Bearded Collies are such exuberant dogs and they just love people - they’re not these daft dogs that people think.

“He’s just a great dog. Wherever I go people stop and have a chat – he’s a very sociable dog to have!

“I was absolutely thrilled when they said he’s getting this recognition, and it was something that just happened – things just seem to happen with Merlin.

“He has that magical impact!”