The Top Dog Film Festival is back in the UK and Ireland this April, with a brand-new collection of heart-warming films celebrating the incredible bond between dogs and their human companions.

Showing virtually, the Top Dog Film Festival features uplifting short films about our four-legged friends from around the world. The latest line-up includes stories of hard-working police and medical dogs, inspirational rescue dogs, fearless adventure dogs and more!

“The bond between humans and dogs can be profound, and these films celebrate the fabulous four-legged friends who enrich our lives,” says tour director Nell Teasdale.

“Whether you’re a dog owner or just like animals, this new collection of films is guaranteed to make you laugh, cry and fall in love with man’s best friend all over again.”

As well as delightful doggy films, viewers have exclusive access to behind-the-scenes Q&As with film-makers, and a dedicated kids’ zone for young animal lovers. The virtual events will also feature a live prize draw to win fantastic pup-related prizes.

The show is running twice, on 2 April and 30 April. Films start at 7.30pm, with viewers invited to explore the virtual foyer from 6.30pm, where they can enter the prize draw, take on the ultimate Top Dog Film Festival quiz and much more. The viewing window for each event is 72 hours.

“We’re delighted to be bringing these inspirational films into your living room – with the added bonus that your dogs can watch along as well,” says Nell. “So grab the popcorn, make a brew and snuggle up with your pets – we can’t wait to ‘virtually’ see you for a night of heart-warming entertainment!”

The Top Dog Film Festival originated in Australia, with the aim of celebrating the incredible bond between dogs and their people through independent films from around the world.

You’d be barking mad to miss it!

For more information and tickets, see www.topdogfilmfestival.co.uk.

Film highlights include:

Paws and Wheels Oli Dorn is one of Germany’s best mountain bike riders, and he’s rarely seen without his trusty

Australian shepherd Balu. With stunning cinematography, Paws and Wheels shows not only how much fun you can have on two wheels, but how much fun you can have on four paws! This short film

is a story of epic trail shredding, but also friendship and the unbreakable bond that comes from sharing your hobby with your best furry friend.

Dr Dog

All dog-lovers know that our four-legged friends are therapeutic, but Dr Dog takes this to the next level. In this extraordinary film, we join dogs working in the field of medicine, from cancer and diabetes detection dogs, to dogs making life-changing donations at the doggy blood bank. Full of heart-warming moments and incredible feats of science, this is a unique insight into the canine companions who help dogs and humans alike.