Animals in war commemorated

The Blue Cross has commemorated the sacrifice made by animals in war. Laura Poole, a veterinary nurse from The Blue Cross's Victoria animal hospital, marked the event at the Animals in War memorial on London's Park Lane.

Joining Laura at the memorial was Chris Samsa and his dog Ripley (pictured left). The shih tzu is one of the nominees for The Blue Cross Medal, reinstated for one year only to mark the centenary of the animal hospital in Victoria. Ripley works as a therapy dog with ill children at Great Ormond Street Hospital and has contributed greatly to the recovery of very sick children.

The Blue Cross is part of a coalition of animal charities that have supported the Animals in War memorial in recognition of the veterinary care the charity provided for the thousands of horses and dogs that worked on the front line who were on the front line during the two World Wars.

The charity will be accepting animal nominations for the Medal until 17 November. Nominees must have come to the aid of a human or animal life, shown outstanding bravery, or been part of a life changing partnership.

Nominate a pet hero for the Blue Cross Medal