Pet dog receives animal equivalent of OBE
Max the springer spaniel will receive the award for his virtual therapy work throughout the pandemic
Last updated 13th Apr 2021
A dog who has been providing virtual therapy to people around the world will be the first ever pet to receive the animal equivalent of an OBE this Friday.
Yes, you read it right!
Max is a 13-year-old springer spaniel from the Lake District who will be recognised for his contribution to society with the Order of Merit, awarded by the PDSA charity during a virtual ceremony.
"A huge source of comfort"
Before becoming a social media sensation, Max provided owner Kerry Irving with a "reason to live" following a life changing traffic accident which left him unable to walk.
The spaniel soon rose to stardom when Mr Irving started documenting their life together through photos posted an a specially designated Facebook page, Max Out in the Lake District, which has over 180,000 followers.
In 2016 Max was trained as a therapy dog by Assistance Dog UK, enabling him to make visits to hospitals, schools and hospices.
Since 2017, he has met over 10,000 people and helped to raise over ÂŁ300,000 for charity.
Despite not being able to make visits during the pandemic, fans could accompany Max on his daily walks virtually using Facebook Live.
Mr Irving see's the daily impact Max has on people around the globe, who tell him "how Max’s adventures make them smile and bring joy to their life."
He continued: “Each has their own personal story. I have met soldiers who served in Afghanistan who say they used to look at Max’s page to remind them of home.
“I’ve also received messages from NHS staff working on the front line during the pandemic, who have found moments of peace and escape with Max."
The first pet to receive the award
The Order of Merit has only previously been awarded to 32 dogs and horses since its launch in 2014, all of whom have been specially trained work dogs.
This makes Max even more special, as he will be the first pet to receive the award!
Speaking on the decision to give Max the the Order of Merit, PDSA director general Jan McLoughlin said: “Max has provided a source of huge comfort – not only to his owner Kerry, but to thousands of people across the globe who are facing or have gone through hard times.
“He has become a true ambassador for the positive impact that animals have on mental health and wellbeing, which is more important now than ever. ”
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