Hero dog awarded posthumous Blue Cross medal
The medal was awarded to Mr Pugh, pictured with Bandit the Newfoundland, by Blue Cross.
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
The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is inviting applications from veterinary students to attend a one-week extramural studies (EMS) placement in July 2026.
