Top award for incredible Sabby
A devoted dog who helped people with learning disabilities has been awarded the animals’OBE.
Labrador Sabby received the PDSA Order of Merit in recognition of her role working with NHS Lanarkshire.
The 13-year-old pooch retired in 2016 after a distinguished 10-year career working with the health board’s learning disability occupational therapy service team.
During the decade, she worked alongside Jacqueline Evans, an occupational therapy assistant practitioner, helping people with learning disabilities both in the community and hospitals.
Jacqueline Evans said:“After many years of devoted service, it is wonderful that Sabby’s skills and commitment to our patients have been recognised by PDSA.
“She is now enjoying her well-earned retirement and is greatly missed by all the patients and staff she has selflessly helped over the years.”
Sabby’s warm and gentle nature helped her develop a special relationship with patients, allowing them to develop skills, make decisions and learn responsibilities – opportunities that without Sabby’s involvement would have been unavailable to them.
She has also worked alongside clinical psychologists supporting patients who suffer from extreme dog phobias. Her involvement has been recognised as a key factor in enabling these patients to become further integrated into their community.
Sabby’s work with the NHS Lanarkshire is an excellent example of the special relationship between human and animals said the PDSA, who recognised her work at a special ceremony in the Scottish Parliament.