In a special award ceremony called “animals’ OBE” adorable hero pups were formally recognized for their extraordinary animal contributions to society, BBC reports.
A 14-year-old border collie named Zak is one of five dogs to be awarded the PDSA Order of Merit. Zak has completed 300 rescue missions and saved four people’s lives. Zak’s human, Kevin Saunders, is a volunteer at Hampshire Search and Rescue. He said that Zak saved his first life 11 years ago when he found a man who has been missing for three days.
“He’s been my partner for all those years… I’m so so proud of him,” he said.
Another dog was six-year-old Oliver, a black Labrador that comforts victims of crime. His handler, Dr. Liz Spruin, said, “We had a 12-year-old girl who had autism and she had been raped several times… and they couldn’t get her to talk.”
“But when they told her Oliver was coming… they managed to get the evidence they needed to go to trial and put away her offender.”
Clive, a 10-year-old cocker spaniel, received a medal for his medical alert assistance. He alerts his human, Michelle Sutherland, when she needs to take medication.
“I wouldn’t be here now if it wasn’t for Clive,” she said.
It’s amazing to see these dogs rewarded for their amazing rescues and accomplishments!