Two "inspirational" Midlands residents have been invited by Her Royal Highness, The Princess of Wales, to attend this year's prestigious Together At Christmas Carol Service at Westminster Abbey tomorrow (Friday 5 December), in recognition of their exceptional compassion and dedication to dogs in need. 

Louie Farmer, Dog Welfare Supervisor at Dogs Trust Kenilworth, and Natalie Smith, from Redditch, will join 1,600 guests at the fifth annual celebration, hosted by The Princess of Wales and supported by The Royal Foundation.

The service honours individuals across the UK who embody kindness, community spirit and connection. 

Louie was selected for his remarkable work with Theo, a Neapolitan Mastiff who arrived at Dogs Trust Kenilworth with a life-limiting heart condition, dilated cardiomyopathy.

As the centre's behaviour expert, Louie played a vital role in helping Theo settle, thrive and ultimately find a loving home with Mrs Smith and her family. 

Determined to ensure Theo could live the rest of his life in comfort, Louie developed an intensive programme of care and behaviour support, and worked with Dogs Trust's dedicated team – including charity ambassador and TV personality Pete Wicks – to raise Theo's profile and help find him the perfect match. 

Louie said: "It's an incredible honour to be invited to Westminster Abbey.

"Theo was a very special dog, and helping him find the right home meant so much to everyone at the centre. I feel proud to represent Dogs Trust and the amazing team who work tirelessly every day for dogs who rely on us."  

Natalie Smith's invitation recognises her extraordinary compassion in stepping forward to adopt Theo, knowing he had limited time left. 

Determined that he should spend his final months surrounded by love, not in kennels, she and her family selflessly opened their home to him. 

Mrs Smith said: "We knew Theo didn't have long, but that made us even more determined. Every dog deserves love, no matter how much time they have left.

"He has brought so much joy into our home, and it's a privilege to give him the peaceful, happy life he deserves." 

Theo quickly settled into family life with support from Dogs Trust's Kenilworth team, and his story touched hearts nationwide through the charity's media appeal.  

Tomorrow's Together At Christmas service will feature performances from the renowned Westminster Abbey Choir and guest appearances by Hannah Waddingham, Kate Winslet, Dan Smith and Chiwetel Ejiofor.

It will be broadcast on ITV1 and ITVX on Christmas Eve, with a repeat on Christmas morning.  

In addition to the Westminster Abbey gathering, 15 'Together At Christmas' Community Carol Services will take place across the UK this December, celebrating volunteers, carers and community champions of all faiths and none.