By Kloe Palmer
Guinness the dog stands out for more than one reason - not only is he an 80kg giant, he's now the first animal to ever be presented with a local hero medal as part of the New Zealander of the Year awards.
He was recognised last night for the voluntary clean up work he did alongside his owner after Christchurch's devastating earthquakes.
The dog was known through the silt-laden streets of the eastern suburbs as the gentle giant who brought smiles back to residents' faces.
He's an Irish wolfhound and he enjoys a strong stout, drinking pints of Guinness beer with ease.
Following last February's earthquake the six-year-old, 80kg gentle giant became known as the "earthquake dog". His owner, Sean Scully rallied hundreds of wheel barrows and supplies together and then with Guinness by his side led thousands of volunteers in the eastern suburbs.
“When we entered peoples property's the questions weren't about liquefaction or damage, they were what is he and what does he eat, so it kind of gave people a break from the quake,” says Mr Scully.
While they didn't put in the hard yards for recognition, the boys are both bachelors and Mr Scully says the fame from the award can't hurt.
“I think he will take it in this stride and as I think I have said it may increase his chances at the dog park with the bitches,” he says.
Guinness is now part of an elite group of 17 who received medals for their bravery, but award organisers say it is unlikely another animal will receive the accolade.
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