Loyal Barnstaple assistance dog receives prestigious PDSA Award
A greyhound-whippet cross who has supported her owner through health issues, hospital visits and more has been awarded a PDSA Commendation
A remarkable assistance dog from Barnstaple has been recognised with a prestigious PDSA Award for the life-changing support she provides to her owner, Jenny.
Jen Jen, a 13-year-old Italian greyhound cross whippet, has transformed Jenny’s confidence and independence, helping her navigate complex health conditions, anxiety and everyday life.
From accompanying Jenny to hospital appointments and medical procedures to supporting her at public events, competitions and even Crufts, Jen Jen provides reassurance and assistance whenever it is needed.
Her calm nature and remarkable ability to sense when Jenny needs support have made her an invaluable companion and has now led to being awarded a PDSA Commendation Award.
Her owner, Jenny, said: “Jen Jen has always been so much more than a dog to me - she is my best friend, my world and the reason I am where I am today.
“From the moment she came into my life, Jen Jen has completely changed it. Before Jen, I had spent more than 20 years working on and off as a carer for elderly people, including those living with dementia and challenging behaviours.
“When Covid came along, I had to shield because of my health conditions and sadly, I lost my job. My mental health really suffered and I became very anxious about going out unless my mum was with me. I have also experienced bullying because I am different.
“Jen Jen gave me a reason to start going out again. People would ask me about her and she helped me to start talking to people and building my confidence.
“She has been there through some incredibly difficult times, including my own hospital appointments. The nurses and doctors absolutely adore her because she brings smiles to everyone's faces.
“She has an amazing ability to know when I need her. Recently, I was having a blood test and Jen Jen sensed that I was about to faint before I even realised it myself. She immediately helped to calm me. She has also supported me through recovery at hospital and even provides deep-pressure therapy when my anxiety becomes overwhelming.
“Despite everything she has faced herself, including low-grade skin cancer and pancreatitis, Jen Jen takes everything in her stride. She has been to concerts, the cinema and more.”
The faithful hound’s actions have been recognised by leading vet charity PDSA with a Commendation, one of the charity’s prestigious Animal Awards.
The PDSA Commendation is one of four awards within the programme and recognises animals whose devotion, companionship and everyday actions have made an exceptional difference to the lives of people.
Jenny added: “Receiving this award means so much to me because Jen Jen deserves every bit of recognition. She has helped me find confidence, given me a reason to get out into the world again and shown me just how powerful the bond between a person and their dog can be.
“If it wasn't for Jen Jen, I honestly don't know where I would be today. I could talk about my girl for England - she really is my world.”
PDSA's Animal Awards Programme was established in 1943 by the charity's founder, Maria Dickin, who believed recognising animals for their exceptional actions would raise their status in society and encourage better treatment.
PDSA director general Jan McLoughlin said: “PDSA’s Animal Awards are an incredibly important part of our history and our commitment to recognising the extraordinary contribution animals make to our lives.
“For generations, we have celebrated animals whose courage, loyalty, devotion and companionship have had a profound impact on people and communities.
“The PDSA Commendation is particularly special because it shines a light on the everyday heroes - animals whose unwavering love, support and devotion have transformed the lives of those around them.
“Every recipient has a remarkable story to tell, and by recognising these animals, we are also recognising the very special bond between people and their pets.
“It is a privilege for PDSA to continue this proud tradition and to celebrate the incredible animals whose actions remind us just how much they enrich our lives.”
PDSA’s belief is that financial hardship should never stop people getting the veterinary care they need for their much-loved pets.
In the last year, the charity has supported more than 339,000 people and treated more than 422,000 pets across its network of over 40 Pet Hospitals and associated clinics in the UK.