Actress presents medal to canine hero

Actress Felicity Kendal presented The Blue Cross Medal for animal heroism today to Jake, a Metropolitan police explosives dog who cleared the scene at the Tavistock Square bus bombing.

Jake and his handler Pc Bob Crawford cleared the route for paramedics to reach the injured on the bus and then walked the tube tunnel at Kings Cross, allowing tens of people to access medical treatment. Jake’s actions that day saved the lives of many people and so the panel of judges awarded him The Blue Cross Medal.

Four other short listed candidates received commendable mentions, including a City of London police horse who also works with Riding for the Disabled, a cat who saved her owner from an attack in her home; a dog who works at Great Ormond Street and a dog who works as a canine partner for his wheelchair bound owner.

Jake’s owner, Pc Bob Crawford said: “We are delighted that Jake has won the Medal. Jake is a hardworking dog who performed brilliantly on the day of the bombings. Animals help all our lives, and it’s great that The Blue Cross is honouring their contribution. Jake will wear his Medal with pride.”

Felicity Kendal said: “The Blue Cross provides an amazing service for animals in London. Jake was a very brave dog and is a deserving winner of the Medal. The other nominees were outstanding as well, and have made incredible impacts on the lives of those they help.”

The Medal was reinstated for one year only to mark the centenary of The Blue Cross animal hospital in Victoria – the oldest running charitable veterinary hospital in the country. The charity asked for owners or handlers to nominate animals that had come to the aid of another animal or human life, and shown bravery, companionship, or loyalty.

Over the past 100 years, the animal hospital and its staff have developed to meet the capital’s changing animal welfare needs and was originally opened to treat the working horses that were a common sight on London’s streets at the turn of the last century. Today the hospital cares for the pets of a diverse mix of owners who cannot afford private veterinary fees and provides a number of outreach services including a mobile clinic and community nurses scheme.

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Notes to editors

For interviews with staff or clients, please contact 020 7932 4066

To receive photos of Felicity Kendal with the nominees, the winner, and group shots please contact 020 7932 4066.

To receive historical or contemporary photographs of the Blue Cross Victoria animal hospital, contact 020 7932 4066.

Over the past 100 years, the animal hospital and its staff have developed to meet the capital’s changing animal welfare needs and was originally opened to treat the working horses that were a common sight on London’s streets at the turn of the last century. Today the hospital cares for the pets of a diverse mix of owners who cannot afford private veterinary fees and provides a number of outreach services including a mobile clinic and community nurses scheme.

The Blue Cross is Britain's pet charity, providing practical support, information and advice for pet and horse owners. Through its network of animal adoption centres it rehomes thousands of animals each year. Its hospitals provide veterinary care for the pets of people who cannot afford private vets' fees.