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Blue Cross medal opens for nominations
The Blue Cross Medal closes to nominations on 26 August 2022.

Charity invites owners to nominate heroic pets.

Nominations have now opened for the 2022 Blue Cross Medal, celebrating pets who have done something amazing or heroic.

Blue Cross chief executive Chris Burghes explained: “The Blue Cross Medal champions all heroic pets - from amazing assistance or therapy pets to every-day household pets who make exceptional companions. 

“If you own or know of a pet that has done something out of the ordinary to change someone’s life, we want to hear from you.”

One remarkable pet will win the medal, and owners can nominate their pets for consideration until Friday 26 August. 

Originally, the Blue Cross Medal was awarded to people who rescued animals, and was first awarded in 1917, however in 1940, the medal was given to an animal itself.

The winning animal, a dog named 'La Cloche' saved his owner from drowning after a German torpedo hit their ship, and ever since, the medal has celebrated the actions of pets who save and change lives across the country.

Successful pets have been awarded for a whole range of heroic acts, the 2021 winner, a blind therapy cat named Carrots, was celebrated for the comfort he brings to sick patients and their families at a hospice. 

Other heroic pets include a cat named Jim who saved his family from a fire in 1942, Daisy the Labrador who could detect cancer, pet blood donor Romeo the Staffordshire bull terrier and Lemmy the mastiff, who saved his young owner from depression.

Anyone who owns or knows a heroic pet is invited to visit bluecross.org.uk/blue-cross-medal to make a nomination. 

 

Image (C) Blue Cross

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FIVP launches CMA remedies survey

News Story 1
 FIVP has shared a survey, inviting those working in independent practice to share their views on the CMA's proposed remedies.

The Impact Assessment will help inform the group's response to the CMA, as it prepares to submit further evidence to the Inquiry Group. FIVP will also be attending a hearing in November.

Data will be anonymised and used solely for FIVP's response to the CMA. The survey will close on Friday, 31 October 2025. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Free webinar explores congenital heart disease in dogs

A free webinar is to provide veterinary professionals, dog breeders and pet owners an new insights into congenital heart disease.

Chris Linney, a cardiology specialist and Veterinary Cardiovascular Society (VSC) member, will present the webinar from 7.00pm to 8.30pm on Wednesday, 12 November.

Dr Linney will explore the types, causes and clinical presentation of congenital heart conditions. This will include diagnostic approaches, treatment pathways and emerging research opportunities.

The session is the third to be organised by The Kennel Club, with the VCS, following an introductory webinar and a talk on acquired heart disease. Dr Linney's webinar consists of a one-hour presentation, followed by a 30-minute question and answer session.

Dr Linney said: "This webinar will be an opportunity to deepen understanding - not just of the diseases themselves, but of how breeders, vets and owners can work together to support affected dogs and improve outcomes for future generations."

Click here to register for the webinar.