Bentley the dog leads campaign to save canine companions.

Yes, you read that right, a dog - an Irish Setter called Bentley - with a little help from his best friend (and housekeeper, ahem) Alison Lennon.

Bentley and Alison have been working with the Assisi Chance of a Lifetime (COAL) organisation to help save dogs from being put to sleep here by transferring them to the Dogs Trust in England , where they get new homes.

They save an average of 40 dogs a week by transporting them in a specially adapted van by ferry across the Irish Sea.

However, the van isn’t a young pup anymore, indeed there’s not much life left in the old dog and it’s going to need replaced.

With this in mind, Bentley has been set the task of saving 500 of his furry friends - with just £20 needed to save one of those dogs (you do the maths).

Dog owners across the province are being asked to team up with their furry friends to raise a minimum donation of £20 - so a dog can be saved on their behalf.

As a thankyou to all the dogs who have helped they will receive a Pets at Home ‘Canine Lifesaver Medal’ at a red carpet event in Crawfordsburn Country Park on August 26.

To make a donation go to www.justgiving.com/save500 to make a donation.

If you and your dog think you can raise some sponsorship then visit Bentley’s page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Bentley500 send a message and Bentley will either email or post a sponsorship form to you straight away.

The event at Crawfordsburn Country Park will be a double celebration as Wednesday, August 26, is also World Dog Day - a global celebration of man’s best friend.

The event will run from 7.30 -9.30pm with the dogs receiving their medals.

Following the ceremony the dogs will do a lap of honour on behalf of every dog that will be saved.

Dog Day has been supported by such high profile individuals as former US President George W Bush whose own dog, Barney, has his own website.

Bentley the dog, who is leading a campaign to save his canine companions.