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Hero dog awarded posthumous Blue Cross medal
The medal was awarded to Mr Pugh, pictured with Bandit the Newfoundland, by Blue Cross.
Whizz the Newfoundland saved many lives as a rescue dog.

A Newfoundland rescue dog has been awarded a special posthumous Blue Cross medal, to honour his lifetime achievements.

Whizz was recognised at a Blue Cross ceremony on 21 June, where his owner David Pugh accepted the award for his charitable and rescue work.

Whizz was the only canine member of the Swansea Marine Volunteer Service, and the top water dog of the Newfound Friends charity. During his time with the volunteer service, he saved many lives of those struggling at sea and other waters.

He also helped raise over £1.5 million for charities including children’s hospice Little Bridge House, where he provided comfort to the residents.

His life’s work has been immortalised in a true story, ‘Whizz, Zero to Hero’, co-written by Mr Pugh and author Lynn Cavendish. The book follows the journey of Mr Pugh and Whizz, including their bond and adventures together.

The Blue Cross medal was awarded to Mr Pugh, who attended with another Newfoundland called Bandit, by Blue Cross chief executive officer Chris Burghes at their headquarters in Burford, Oxfordshire.

Mr Burghes said: “I was delighted to present a special posthumous Blue Cross medal to this legendary dog. His remarkable achievements make him more than worthy of this one-off award, the third he has received form major animal charities.”

Mr Pugh said: “I’m thrilled that such a fantastic dog that was a big part of my life is getting the credit he truly deserves. Whizz had a very difficult time before I rescued him at about 18 months old.

“I took him in with my other Newfoundland dogs and after a few months of love and affection he came out of his shell and flourished into the hero he was.”

Image © Blue Cross

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

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.