Global Award

Gemma's primary role is as a disaster search and rescue dog assisting the emergency services in the United Kingdom, and assisting in natural disasters and major terrorist incidents overseas. She can also be called upon to assist in local and national urban / lowland search work, assisting local Fire & Rescue and Police Services within the United Kingdom for missing, lost and injured persons when requested.

Gemma has always lived at home with her handler Chris Pritchard. Each time that the call of duty has come for international deployment, Chris has had to make some very difficult and painful decisions, in the knowledge that to take her on life saving missions to these countries would mean that she would have to encounter six months of quarantine on her return. This has been a heart wrenching experience for everyone involved, particularly in light of the fantastic work that she has carried out.

On both deployments Gemma worked extremely well search after search, which she accomplished without objection or hesitation. This was in extreme heat, on difficult terrain and in appalling environmental conditions.

A panel of experts, including former Blue Peter vet Joe Inglis, animal expert Carina Norris and Fiona Green from Vets in Practice have chosen search and rescue dog Gemma from Leicestershire, as the UK Winner of the prestigious international Canine Global Hero Awards.

PEDIGREE and ASDA have joined forces via the Paws to Recognise programme to highlight some remarkable dogs and the handlers who train and work with them. Three dogs were initially chosen as finalists in the UK by the panel of judges, with one overall winner going to represent the UK.

Gemma will represent the UK at an international honouring ceremony in Washington on 21^st August, which will honour National Canine Global Heroes from across the globe. The international ceremony will be hosted by the Humane Society of the United States at their headquarters. Each National Canine World Hero will have imprints of its paws enshrined in cement, creating a ‘Canine World Heroes Tribute Walk of Fame’.

Over the past few weeks, ASDA colleagues and customers have wished all three finalists the best of luck in their quest to be Canine Global Heroes at ASDA stores across the country, by signing a giant good luck card.

Mellow has been a registered PAT dog since August 2001. She helps out in fundraising and awareness days that are organised for charity. She took part in the World Record Walkies Attempt in September 2002 in aid of the SSPCA, and another World Record Attempt when over 100 German Shepherds and their owners walked across the Forth Road Bridge in September 2002, to promote German Shepherd Rescue UK. She also has have been visiting the Orchard Nursing Home in Tullibody since August 2001.

Endal has been chosen as a finalist for saving the life of his owner, Allen Parton. After suffering severe injuries in the Gulf War, Allen was unable to speak, write, read of remember any aspect of his life. Endal however, became the inspiration and motivation behind Allen’s rehabilitation. Endal became his constant companion, helped Allen rebuild relationships and rekindled his enthusiasm for life.

She is a member of the Leicestershire Fire & Rescue Service and also works for the United Kingdom Fire Service Search & Rescue Team. Her primary role is as a disaster search and rescue dog assisting the emergency services in the United Kingdom, and assisting in natural disasters and major terrorist incidents overseas.

Watch this space to find out which dog will fly to Washington with their owner to represent the UK at the Canine Global Hero Honours Ceremony.

Former Blue Peter vet and judging panel member Joe Inglis said: “The fact that Gemma actually saves people’s lives demonstrates that she is a real hero. Gemma consistently uses her special skills to save lives not only in the UK but also in many places across the world, such as the Turkish earthquake of 1999. The sacrifices that she makes to her owner and family to help others shows that she is very worthy of this award.”

Fiona Green from Vet’s in Practice commented: “Gemma consistently shows high levels of skill in extreme situations and the loyalty that she displays both at home and abroad is testament to her winning this fabulous award.”

Gemma’s owner, Chris Pritchard said: “I am delighted that Gemma has won this award. She is not only a hero, but she is also brave, intelligent and is there for everyone whenever she is needed. Despite the intense nature of her work, she is also a much loved family member and I’m very proud of her.”

A spokesperson on behalf of PEDIGREE and ASDA commented: “PEDIGREE and ASDA are delighted to be involved in this campaign, which we feel goes right to the heart of recognising these heroes. Whilst we congratulate Gemma with her award, we would also like to honour all hero dogs across the nation and especially those involved in Canine Global Heroes and look forward to recognising more heroes in the coming years.”