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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

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Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.