Honouring courageous companions
Every year, PDSA celebrates the special bond between people and pets with a globally respected programme of animal awards that recognise remarkable bravery, devotion and dedication to duty.
We recently awarded the PDSA Order of Merit – the animals’ OBE – and the PDSA Gold Medal, the animal equivalent of the George Cross, to three heroic hounds who carry out vital and challenging work in the community. We also honoured the life-saving connection between one dog and her owner with a prestigious PDSA Commendation.
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Bella’s life-saving loyalty
Black Labrador Bella from Cardiff doesn’t just enrich her owner’s life – she regularly saves it.
The loyal aid dog received a PDSA Commendation for her inspirational devotion to owner Wayne Mayor and her uncanny ability to predict when he is about to have a life-threatening collapse.
Wayne, who suffers from a debilitating lung condition that causes him to regularly fall unconscious, said: “When I first took Bella on as a puppy, I thought there was something wrong with her. She would suddenly bark, show her teeth and go mad. Over time I noticed she would always act strangely just before I had a collapse. It’s truly amazing – she’s not been trained to do this. Now when she makes these warning signs, I know that I should sit down and take it easy.”
Bella’s assistance makes a tremendous difference to Wayne’s life. She is always by his side and will even accompany him down the stairs to ensure he is okay.
He can also go out for day trips with his son without fear of collapsing in public.
“I’m so pleased that PDSA has given Bella the acknowledgement she really deserves,” added Wayne.
Bravo for brave Bryn
An extraordinary search and rescue dog was presented with the PDSA Order of Merit for his amazing contribution to Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service and the UK’s International Search and Rescue Team.
Border Collie Bryn has worked alongside his handler, Steve Buckley, since he was a puppy, taking part in dangerous rescue missions and using his considerable detection skills in building collapses, missing persons’ searches and gas explosions throughout the UK.
The courageous canine has also worked in Japan, after the earthquake and tsunami in 2011, and in Nepal, following the devastating earthquake that killed and injured thousands in 2015. Bryn retired in May 2016 after an outstanding 11-year career.
Steve Buckley said: “Dogs like Bryn only come along once in a lifetime. He has been a dedicated and exemplary search dog throughout his career and his skills have been used to set training standards across the world.”