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Rescue dog helps save her diabetic owner
Looby Loo with Toby
"If it wasn’t for Looby Loo waking Mary, I hate to think what would have happened to me," Toby admits.

Looby Loo presented with a PDSA commendation

A heroic German shepherd who helped save her diabetic owner has received a PDSA Commendation. The award recognises outstanding acts of devotion by pets.

Rescue dog Looby Loo became frantic when her owner Toby Snow began to slip into a diabetic coma. She managed to wake her other owner, Mary, by barking and whining next to their bed.

Mary realised immediately that Toby was slipping into a hypoglycaemic coma and dialled 999 whilst trying to boost his sugar levels with fizzy drinks and glucose tablets.

“Throughout the whole episode, Looby Loo didn’t leave Toby’s side," she says. "She was desperately nudging his arms and legs and licking his face. She knew that he was in danger and was trying to help him as best she could.”

Toby says he knew he was in deep trouble as he started to slip into the coma but was unable to call for help. "If it wasn’t for Looby Loo waking Mary, I hate to think what would have happened to me," he admits.

“I will be forever grateful to our wonderful dog for what she did that night – she was a true friend and her actions definitely helped me out of a very sticky spot.”

Toby usually controls his fluctuating blood sugar levels with insulin injections and tablets, but he had just returned home after a period in hospital for an infection. He says he was very weak and was receiving antibiotic treatment which interfered with the insulin's ability to work.

Mary Friend adopted Looby Loo, now aged nine, back in 2007. Two years later, she met Toby and it was certainly love at first sight for Looby Loo.

The pair formed an "instant and unbreakable" bond, according to Mary, who says Looby Loo "wouldn't take her eyes off Toby and wanted to be near him at all times."

Looby Loo was presented with her award at PDSA's Brighton Pet Hospital by Richard Hooker, the charity's director of veterinary services.

He commented: "It is amazing that a pet with no formal medical assistance training detected a potentially dangerous situation, like Looby Loo did here for Toby. Her PDSA Commendation is very well-deserved.”

Image courtesy of the PDSA

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.