Time’s almost up to nominate your heroic pet

There are only a few weeks left for people with inspirational pets to nominate their furry friend for the Blue Cross Medal 2019 as the nomination period ends on 15 Feb.

National pet charity Blue Cross is calling for incredible stories about hero pets from across the nation as the prestigious Blue Cross Medal 2019 draws to a close. 

Blue Cross Medal judges hope to hear about the everyday pet hero who is changing lives in all kinds of ways; from cats who’re there to listen when there is no one else, dogs who help with social anxiety; guinea pigs who are a child’s best friend; any pet who helps people in any way, big or small.

Sally de la Bedoyere, Blue Cross Chief Executive, said: “Pets are amazing, they help us in so many ways, from rescuing us from loneliness to teaching us new things, and even saving lives. The Blue Cross Medal is a wonderful way to draw attention to the incredible things our pets do for us every day and to celebrate them. We’re very excited to hear all the amazing stories to be sent through and can’t wait to pick the next medal winner.”

The Blue Cross Pet Poet Laureate, Russell Jones, who was appointed the year-long role in September 2018, has written a poem about his own pet Pakkun. Russell says his beloved spaniel brought him out of his shell and out of the house allowing him to clear his mind and even found inspiration for some of his poems. Watch the video here: https://vimeo.com/311849264.

Animal-loving celebrities are helping support the Blue Cross Medal this year, including soap-star Hayley Tamaddon, who also took part in a photoshoot with homeless pets at one of the charities rehoming centres.  

Emmerdale and Coronation Street’s Hayley Tamaddon said: “Pets have always played a wonderful part in my life

and I’ve been grateful to each and every one of them for it. The wonderful German Shepherd I had growing up called Sheeba would be my strong contender for the Blue Cross Medal nomination – she thought she was my bodyguard, she was always close by me and she made me feel so special and loved.

“Pets do so much for us and the Blue Cross Medal is all about celebrating that, so I would urge anyone with a special pet in their life to nominate them right away!”

Last year’s winner was a young mastiff called Lemmy. He won the award after being nominated by his owner for saving the lives of her two sons. Rescue-dog Lemmy brought his young owner Max back from depression and suicidal thoughts and turned his life around. A true hero in every sense of the word.

The Blue Cross Medal is open to pets that have done something brave, life-changing partnerships, assistance animals and serving or working animals. Deadline for entries is 15 February 2019. To nominate a pet and find out more, visit www.bluecross.org.uk/medal. 

ENDS

Notes to Editors 

•    Photos of celebrity Hayley Tamaddon with Blue Cross pets and photos of previous Blue Cross Medal winners available, please contact the press office. Hayley is also available for interviews. 
•    Subtitled version of the poem ‘Hero - for Pakkun, super spaniel’, is available, please contact the press office.
•    Blue Cross is a national charity that has been helping sick, injured, abandoned and homeless pets for over 120 years. We help thousands of pets in need every month by providing veterinary care, expert behaviour help and find them loving homes. We also offer education for current and future pet owners plus pet bereavement support for those who have lost their pet companion. Pets help us in so many ways and they depend entirely on us, with your support we can give back to more pets in need. Pets change lives. We change theirs.
•    For more information, please visit www.bluecross.org.uk
•    Blue Cross has a tradition of recognising both animals and people for extraordinary acts since the charity opened its first animal hospital in 1906. The charity played an important role providing front line veterinary care to horses during World War One and in 1917 awarded Major Methuen of the King's Royal Rifles for the rescue of horses under shellfire on the battlefield in France. The Blue Cross Medal has celebrated inspirational pets for almost 80 years, and awarded its first in 1940 to a dog called La Cloche for saving his owner from drowning during the Second World War after a German torpedo hit their ship.

Media contact

Sam Murray, Blue Cross press office: 020 7932 4070 / [email protected] 
Media Team, press office: 0300 777 1950 / [email protected]