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Blue Cross medal opens for nominations
The Blue Cross Medal closes to nominations on 26 August 2022.

Charity invites owners to nominate heroic pets.

Nominations have now opened for the 2022 Blue Cross Medal, celebrating pets who have done something amazing or heroic.

Blue Cross chief executive Chris Burghes explained: “The Blue Cross Medal champions all heroic pets - from amazing assistance or therapy pets to every-day household pets who make exceptional companions. 

“If you own or know of a pet that has done something out of the ordinary to change someone’s life, we want to hear from you.”

One remarkable pet will win the medal, and owners can nominate their pets for consideration until Friday 26 August. 

Originally, the Blue Cross Medal was awarded to people who rescued animals, and was first awarded in 1917, however in 1940, the medal was given to an animal itself.

The winning animal, a dog named 'La Cloche' saved his owner from drowning after a German torpedo hit their ship, and ever since, the medal has celebrated the actions of pets who save and change lives across the country.

Successful pets have been awarded for a whole range of heroic acts, the 2021 winner, a blind therapy cat named Carrots, was celebrated for the comfort he brings to sick patients and their families at a hospice. 

Other heroic pets include a cat named Jim who saved his family from a fire in 1942, Daisy the Labrador who could detect cancer, pet blood donor Romeo the Staffordshire bull terrier and Lemmy the mastiff, who saved his young owner from depression.

Anyone who owns or knows a heroic pet is invited to visit bluecross.org.uk/blue-cross-medal to make a nomination. 

 

Image (C) Blue Cross

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RCVS announces 1CPD app update

News Story 1
 The RCVS has announced a new version of its 1CPD mobile app, with enhanced features for veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses to record their continuing professional development.

The mobile app includes a new 'what would you like to do?' shortcut for frequent tasks, a notification badge, and the ability to scan a QR code from the home screen to easily record an activity.

Users will be prompted to update the app from the App Store or Google Play the next time they log in. For more information, visit RCVS.org.uk 

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Nominations open for RCVS and VN Council elections

The nomination period for the 2026 RCVS Council and VN Council elections is now open, with three veterinary surgeon seats and two veterinary nurse seats available.

Prospective candidates can download an information pack and nomination form from the RCVS website. Individuals can nominate themselves for the elections, with the results to be announced in the spring.

Clare Paget, the recently appointed RCVS Registrar and elections returning officer, said: "If you want to play your part in influencing and moulding how the professions are regulated, and making key decisions on matters of great importance to your peers, the public and animal health and welfare, please consider standing for RCVS Council or VN Council next year."

Nominations close at 5pm on Saturday, 31 January 2026.