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

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
New guidance for antibiotic use in rabbits

New best practice guidance on the responsible use of antibiotics in rabbits has been published by the BSAVA in collaboration with the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWA&F).

The guidance is free and has been produced to help veterinary practitioners select the most appropriate antibiotic for rabbits. It covers active substance, dose and route of administration all of which are crucial factors when treating rabbits owing to the risk of enterotoxaemia.

For more information and to access the guide, visit the BSAVALibrary.