Devotion award for Rowley Regis rabbit Roary
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A rabbit from Rowley Regis is the latest recipient of a devotion award from veterinary charity PDSA, for helping his owner through a very tough time in her life.
Three-year-old Roary was nominated by owner Ellie Taylor (18), for supporting her through a family bereavement, issues at school and her battle with anorexia.
Roary has been awarded a PDSA Commendation for his devotion to Ellie, who said: “In 2011 I lost my granddad suddenly. I was also having problems at school and as a result I wasn’t able to cope with things. l became ill with an eating disorder, anorexia, and had to come out of school. I was getting professional help for my illness, but still felt there was something missing in my life.
 Ellie’s mum Joanne decided to get two rabbits, Roary and Tiger, in the hope that having responsibility for their care would help her daughter to get better. Sadly Tiger died in 2012.
“Because I couldn’t go to school, I spent every day with Roary and Tiger. They helped ease my pain and slowly I began to feel like myself again. It’s amazing that animals can make you feel like this. Roary in particular has changed my life. He’s my best friend, companion and happiness. Without him I don’t think I’d be the person I am today.”
Ian Fleming, PDSA’s Senior Vet at the charity’s Pet Hospital in Oldbury, the Marion and Christina Ionescu Centre of Surgical Excellence, presented Roary with his certificate at a special presentation on Thursday (25 February 2016).
Ian said: “At PDSA we understand the strength and power of the bond between a pet, be it big or small, and their owner. The PDSA Commendation recognises the outstanding devotion that pets display and celebrates the amazing ways that they enrich our lives. It is clear that Roary has had a massive impact on Ellie’s life and is a worthy recipient of the PDSA Commendation.”
Ellie concludes: “I am so proud of Roary and I am thrilled that this award highlights how small pets can make a big difference to people’s lives. He will get some extra hay and lots of cuddles to celebrate!”
For more information about PDSA’s Animal Awards programme visit www.pdsa.org.uk/awards.
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