‘Max the Miracle Dog’ awarded PDSA Order of Merit for outstanding contribution to society.
An English Springer Spaniel from the Lake District, who has provided support and comfort to thousands of people worldwide as a virtual therapy dog, is being honoured by veterinary charity PDSA for his unwavering service to society.
Thirteen-year-old Max will be awarded the PDSA Order of Merit – the animal equivalent of the OBE – by PDSA at a special virtual ceremony for his outstanding contribution to society.
Max will be the first ever pet to receive a PDSA Order of Merit since its inception in 2014; all 32 dogs and horses that received the medal previously have been specifically trained to perform roles in society, including Police Dogs and Horses, Medical Detection Dogs and Search and Rescue Dogs.
The positive and life-altering impact Max has on the wellbeing of hundreds of thousands of people worldwide is unprecedented. His popularity as a social media figure not only provides a feel-good factor but has also supported many people through dark and difficult times, even more so through the pandemic.
Since 2017, Max has met over 10,000 people through personal meet and greets, charity walks, public appearances, school visits and book signings and has helped to raise nearly £300,00 for a number of charities, including PDSA.
Max’s Story
In 2006, Max’s owner, Kerry Irving, was the victim of a road traffic accident, which left the fit, outdoor-loving 46-year-old, with chronic neck and back pain unable to walk. Kerry’s mental health deteriorated as a result and he was diagnosed with severe depression. Two years after the accident, Kerry met Max and the close bond they developed turned his life around and gave him a reason to walk again. Twelve months after the pair met and began their friendship, they took on climbing Ben Nevis – a challenge that proved how far they had come together.
Kerry – a keen amateur photographer – started to chart the exploits of Max enjoying his walks in the Lake District, on his Facebook page. Followers grew as more people visited the page to enjoy Max’s adventures, prompting Kerry to dedicate the entire page to him, renaming it ‘Max out in the Lakes’.
Max’s owner, Kerry Irving, said: “When I was at my lowest, Max became my reason to live and he continues to make me smile every day. Being able to share the support, comfort and joy that Max brings to thousands of people has been a privilege.
“We receive daily messages from people all over the world, saying how Max’s adventures make them smile and bring joy to their life. 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 frontline during the pandemic, who have found moments of peace and escape with Max.
“It is a huge honour for Max to be awarded the PDSA Order of Merit. He is extremely deserving of this award and I am immensely proud of him.”
Commenting on today’s award, 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. PDSA is honoured to recognise Max with the PDSA Order of Merit, for embodying the contribution that animals make to human lives, beyond ordinary companionship.”
You can watch the virtual presentation here www.pdsa.org.uk/meet-max.
