News
Well done and thank you, Bass!
(February 01, 2023)Did you see the news about the wonder dog Bass?
Bass is a Belgian Malinois who went to serve with his handler in Afghanistan. He’s just received his medal from the PDSA (that’s the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals) for his incredible bravery, courage and devotion whilst on military duty in Afghanistan.
Every year, the PDSA award the Dickin Medal for Gallantry. It is the highest award any animal can receive whilst serving in military conflict and it’s the animals’ Victoria Cross.
It acknowledges incredible acts of bravery or devotion shown by animals serving with the Armed Forces or Civil Defence units in what the PDSA describe as any “theatre of war” throughout the world.
The PDSA’s Founder, Maria Dickin CBE, instituted the award in 1943 and you can find the story of it here. Inspired of the devotion animals showed to man and duty, she introduced a special media specially for animals in war. It’s been awarded 75 times, (plus an Honorary PDSA Dickin Medal in 2014). So far, 38 dogs, 32 pigeons, 4 horses and a cat have received the medal.
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What does the PDSA do?
The PDSA understand that pets are part of the family. And they think they don’t deserve to suffer due to financial difficulty or hardship. They treat pets (you need to be eligible to receive free vet care for your pet), and they raise awareness on subjects such as pet obesity.
The PDSA charity works to :
- Prevent – they work with the UK’s pet owners to prevent illness and suffering of pets
- Educate – they have teams working with communities and schools to educate pet owners about pet wellbeing
- Treat – their vets treat sick and injured pets when their owners can’t afford to pay (there is eligibility criteria).
The PDSA needs your help:
There are a number of ways you can get involved in this amazing charity:
- Donate – every amount helps
- Shop with them – they have a huge range of pet care products and gifts online
- Volunteer – help keep their charity shops open and the charity running – you could donate things you no longer want to their charity shops
- Fundraise – through challenge events and community fundraisers
- Do their lottery
- Join in their events
- Take a look at their campaigns such a Pet Fit Club
- Gifts in your Will
Please take a look to see if there’s anything you can do to help the PDSA help more pets in need, and meantime, WELL DONE BASS and thank you to him and all animals and handlers serving with the Armed Forces and Civil Defence Units. Please stay safe.