Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Staffy-cross Romeo wins PDSA Commendation award
Romeo
Romeo won a PDSA Commendation award for enriching the lives of others.

PAT dog honoured for outstanding devotion

A dog from Hertfordshire has won a PDSA Commendation award for enriching the lives of others through his role as a PAT (Pets as Therapy Dog) and a canine blood donor.

Staffordshire bull terrier cross, Romeo, was nominated by his owner Steph Hartley for his outstanding devotion to her elderly grandmother. He is also a PAT dog and a regular blood donor for the RVC.

From day one, Romeo’s owner knew he was going to be a special dog. When Steph adopted him, she also had a miniature dachshund, Shadow, who was receiving chemotherapy for lymphoma.

“Somehow, Romeo was able to sense this and would stay by his side and lick him gently to comfort him after his treatment,” she said. “He’s always been intuitive and even as an excitable puppy, he’d know exactly when to be calm and gentle.”

When Steph introduced Romeo to her 91-year-old nan, Gladys, she realised just how special he was. The pair were quick to form a bond and he instantly become her best friend.

Because of the impact Romeo had on Steph’s grandmother, she registered him to become a PAT dog. Sadly, Gladys died before she got to see him qualify, but Steph knows how proud she would be of him.

“While my nan wasn’t able to see Romeo qualify, we know how thrilled she would have been,” she added.

Since gaining his PAT title, Romeo has been working at the Lister hospital in Stevenage, where he brings joy to patients and staff on the Stroke Wards. He also visits patients in a dementia care home in Hatfield on a weekly basis.

If that wasn’t enough, he is also a canine blood donor for the RVC. He donates blood every three months and in doing so, has saved the lives of at least 22 other dogs.

“The PDSA Commendation recognises animals who display outstanding devotion and celebrates the amazing ways they enrich our lives,” explained PDSA Vet Rebecca Ashman.

“It’s clear that Romeo has had a huge impact on Steph and her family, as well as all of the people and pets he helps through his PAT work and canine blood donations. It’s fantastic to be able to celebrate Romeo’s outstanding contribution to the community with the prestigious PDSA Commendation.”

Image (C) PDSA

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.