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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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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.