Two dogs, an alpaca and volunteers who care for endangered species are being recognised for their service to people and animals. Jet is a therapy and detection dog, Ridley was a guide dog and an ambassador dog, and Thunderball is an alpaca that loves being around people. Volunteers at Shaldon Wildlife Trust, who care for lemurs and meerkats, are also among the finalists.
The BBC Radio Devon Make A Difference Animal Award honours an animal that improves the life of an individual or group, or a person or group working with animals to improve animal welfare. This year's finalists show the positive impact animals have on people's lives.
Jet is a cocker spaniel who, with his owner Nick Jarrold, volunteers with Pets as Therapy. They visit Exeter College twice a week and support hundreds of students. "Seeing Jet reduces their stress and increases their feelings of warmth and gives them that strength to just get on with their day," said Jarrold. Jet is also a trained detection dog and demonstrates these skills for students studying for public service professions. "What could be better that to go to work with your favourite non-human – your dog," said Jarrold.
Ridley is also being honoured. He served as a guide dog for eight years before becoming an ambassador dog for Guide Dogs for the Blind. He attended events and fundraisers and was recognised as a Hero Dog for the charity. "He has done so much in his lifetime and touched so many hearts," said his owner Peter Boston. "He was a guide dog, an ambassador dog, then a therapy dog – and a companion." Ridley also worked with Paws and Read, a scheme that supports children to read. Ridley died in May and is being honoured posthumously.
The therapeutic work of an alpaca is also being recognised. Thunderball, part of Lakemoor Alpacas, visits care homes, schools and hospitals. "He is naturally gentle and caring around people. I think he senses their vulnerabilities," said owner Sam Norman. The alpaca even visits care home residents in their rooms. According to Sam, this can cause surprise and confusion when coming in and out of lifts. "It's just a lovely interaction… people's faces light up," said co-owner Mark Norman.
Make a Difference Animal Award Finalists Honoured