Top cat lifesavers get PDSA award

Bexhill residents, Bugsey and Sylvester were rescue cats that came into Bonnie Ward’s life at a time when she needed them the most. She said: “I’ve lived alone for three years suffering with mental health problems that deteriorated when I moved into my current home. I rescued Bugsey and Sylvester off Facebook. They’d had terrible pasts but we all bonded very quickly.”

Bonnie says her loving companions soon learned when she was having what she describes as a ‘bad episode’.

“When I cry or have panic attacks they give cuddles and don’t leave me alone. There’s been a few times that I’ve nearly given up but the boys have stopped me. We have an extremely close bond even after my having gone into hospital over twenty times for short periods since 2014 and being looked after by my amazing parents.”

The PDSA (People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals) commendation is given to animals for devotion or bravery and states: “Heroes come in all shapes and sizes and the PDSA Commendation aims to celebrate the unparalleled devotion and enrichment that animals bring to our lives.”

Bonnie added; “I’ve not been seriously unwell since January this year thanks to my two beautiful, amazing cats. They have certainly saved my life on many occasions. Without them I am no one and I feel people should know that pets can be amazing therapy and save lives for all different illnesses. Bugsey and Sylvester definitely deserved to win their award.”