Vet charity PDSA launches search for miracle pet survivors
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 A brave Spaniel is in the running to be named the UK’s most miraculous pet survivor pet after enduring a nightmare attack by a swarm of wasps.
Ten-year-old Bobby has been nominated for vet charity PDSA’s annual Pet Survivor Awards after suffering the horrifying attack near Derwentwater in the Lake District. His distraught owners recalled how his face was literally covered by wasps and he had to be carried into the lake to escape them. The multiple stings triggered a deadly immune reaction, which left him fighting for his life.
Thankfully, after emergency treatment at a PDSA Pet Hospital, brave Bobby defied the odds and made a full recovery. He is now among the first entrants for PDSA’s Pet Survivor Awards, which are now open for entries and celebrate pets who survive serious injury or illness against the odds. Last year’s winner was miracle dog Ziggy, who incredibly survived after being shot through his head by a crossbow.
PDSA Vet and Pet Survivor judge, Rebecca Ashman, said: “Every week, dedicated vet teams save lives and help to get our beloved pets back on their paws after serious injury and illness. The PDSA Pet Survivor Awards recognise those extraordinary stories which capture a pet’s fighting spirit, their owner’s dedication and the expertise and skills of the vet professionals. The stories we hear never fail to amaze us, and we’re looking forward to hearing about many more miracle pets.”
The awards are open to any pet treated by a vet in the UK for a life-threatening illness or injury between 1 August 2015 and 1 August 2016. Pet owners wishing to nominate their pet can enter online at www.pdsa.org.uk/petsurvivor. The closing date is midnight on Sunday 25 September.
Bobby’s full story
Bobby was on a walk while on holiday with his family when his owner, Lisa Drennan, looked back and saw his face covered in wasps. Lisa said: “We tried to get the wasps off him but couldn’t, eventually my partner Dave picked him up and ran into the lake. We removed about 20 stings afterwards, then took him straight to PDSA. He was being sick and couldn’t stand up, I thought we were going to lose him.”
PDSA Vet Emma Holt said: “Tests revealed he was suffering from a deadly immune reaction as a result of the multiple stings. His immune system attacked the red blood cells and would have been fatal without treatment. Bobby was at death’s door, but thankfully he responded well to treatment, and amazed everyone by making a full recovery.”
Last year’s winner – Ziggy
Late in 2014 Ziggy was found wandering alone in woodland with a horrific injury – a crossbow bolt was lodged through his head. He was rushed to nearby vets where, incredibly, he was still bright and friendly! X-rays revealed the projectile had missed all vital nerves and blood vessels in his head – a one-in-a-million chance.
Ziggy underwent a delicate operation to remove the crossbow bolt and, just two weeks later, it was hard to tell anything had happened. Ziggy has since found his loving ‘forever home’ and, on top of being crowned Pet Survivor 2016, he now receives all the love and care he deserves – he couldn’t be happier!
From the entries received, a panel of judges will shortlist a small group of miracle pets to take part in a public vote. The pet that receives the most votes will be declared PDSA Pet Survivor 2016 and will win a year’s PDSA pet insurance*.
PDSA Petsurance is currently offering up to 5% discount on policies taken out online, visit www.pdsa.org.uk/petsurance. Quotes are also available by calling 0800 980 6000. PDSA Petsurance is selected by PDSA’s vets to offer the best protection for pets, and every policy contributes to the charity’s vital work helping pets in need.
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