Appeal to locate animal heroes

The leading pet charity, which was founded in 1897 and cares for over 8,000 homeless animals every year, has reinstated a special edition of its historic Blue Cross medal to mark the centenary of World War 1.

It is now searching for modern-day pets in shining armour that have done something amazing.

Maria Steel at the Blue Cross re homing centre in Northiam said: “Animals have made such a positive difference to the lives of people throughout history, and continue to do so to this day. We’re looking pets with an extraordinary tale to tell, be it whiskered warriors, courageous canines or even heroic horses!”

Blue Cross, which was originally founded to help working horses in London, played an important role providing front line veterinary care to horses during World War One and in 1918 awarded a number of medals to honour horses which had served in the war.

Maria adds: “Not only will our special edition Blue Cross Medal commemorate our history on the battlefield, but it will also recognise the important role animals play in our lives today. We’d love to hear from anyone in the area who thinks their companion could be crowned the nation’s most heroic pet.”

The Blue Cross Medal is open to pets that have done something brave, life changing partnerships, assistance animals or serving or working animals. Deadline for entries is 01 September 2014. To find out more visit www.bluecross.org.uk/medal.

Pictured right is 19 year old cat, Jim who was awarded a Blue Cross medal in 1942 after he saved the lives of his family by waking them in a house fire.

The first Blue Cross medals were first awarded to people who had rescued animals. The first medal was awarded in 1917 to Major Methuen of the King’s Royal Rifles for the rescue of horses under shellfire on the battlefield in France.

The last Blue Cross Medal was awarded in 2007 to a Metropolitan Police Explosives dog called Jake, who cleared the scene at the Tavistock Square bus bombing, and walked the tube tunnels at Kings Cross so paramedics had access to the injured.

The Blue Cross pet re-homing centre in Northiam has been helping homeless and abandoned pets across Sussex and Kent since the late 1960’s and finds loving new homes for hundreds of cats and dogs every year.