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
Doggy Victors at 2010 Dogs Trust Honours
Tamara Ecclestone and John Partridge with Tilly.
It was champagne and tap water all round when four-legged and two-legged friends rubbed shoulders at the 2010 Dogs Trust Honours. Joining celebrities and VIPs were the hirsute winners of five categories, chosen from over 300 entrants from across the UK.

Guests enjoyed nibbles and kibbles galore at the glitzy ceremony which tool place at London's Jasmine Studios. The event was created by Dogs Trust, the UK's largest dog welfare charity, to spotlight the countless ways in which dogs enrich our lives.

Speaking at the awards, Clarissa Baldwin, Dogs Trust CEO, said: "Dogs are so often the unsung heroes of peoples' lives, and the Honours pays tribute to all those magnificent mutts who make life more joyful.  It's a world away from the traditional dog show in fact it's more like a hairy hybrid of The Pride of Britain awards and the Oscars. The Honours shows that canine beauty really is all about the heart."

And the winners are:

The Sun Hero Dog Award – for dogs working for the armed forces and emergency services.

Barney, a fearless fire investigation dog belonging to Kerry Burns, collected this award in a blaze of glory. Barney wears his protective boots in the line of duty working for the Buckinghamshire Fire Service to ascertain whether arson is to blame for each blaze and so far he has sniffed out 286 fire scenes.

Pets at Home Dogged Devotion Award – for dogs who have provided emotional support for their owners.

Treacle was rehomed from Dogs Trust Kenilworth and is the constant companion of seven-year-old Jasmine Dowd, who has to undergo 12 hours of dialysis, as well as tube-feeding, every night. Amid the machinery and medicine lies Treacle, her best friend. Jasmine is able to sleep through all of her treatment as long as Treacle is on her bed, providing plenty of fun and cuddles.  

Technik Technology Golden Oldie Award – a lifetime achievement award for dogs over seven years.

Sadly, this year's winner is a posthumous one, as 15-year-old Tim died just two weeks before the Honours. He is sorely missed by owner Lorraine Coultas and all the staff and residents at Meadowlodge in North Yorkshire. Labrador Tim lived in a residential home where he was a great comfort to the elderly residents, many of whom have Alzheimer's disease or dementia. He also knew when someone was in extra need of attention and used to lay right beside them, sleeping in their room if necessary.

Petplan Dog Star in the Making Award – celebrates those talented canines who truly shine in the spotlight.

Ladies and gentlemen, Adora has just left the building! This adorable Akita lit up the stage with her debut performance as Sandy in the West End production of Annie. Owner Robert Stuhldreer sent Adora to audition when he spotted an advert in his local paper and, despite having had no prior acting experience, Adora impressed the producers and won the role.

Dogs Trust Celebrity Canine Award – for dogs in the public eye

Tilly, a Jack Russell Terrier who is owned and doted upon by actor and Over the Rainbow judge John Partridge.

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
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.