Ears to you
The first plaque scheme dedicated to our pet heroes has been launched – with an army of inspirational animals honoured. Modelled on English Heritage’s blue plaque scheme, the green plaques – with distinctive ears added – will go up on homes across the country.
The first winners – voted for by the public – include 18-year-old Walnut the whippet.
Owner Mark Woods, 54, sent an open invitation for dog lovers to join their final walk before Walnut died, and was flabbergasted when more than 100 turned up at their favourite spot, Porth Beach at Newquay, Cornwall.
Also honoured is Smudge – the cat who fought off a gang bullying five-year-old Ethan Fenton in Doncaster, South Yorkshire.
The gang fled after Smudge – Ethan’s family pet – pounced on the chest of one of the biggest boys. Another plaque is for Flora – dubbed the Dog Doctor. Owner Robert Stuhldreer, 57, of Islington, North London, has cardiac syncop, which causes temporary loss of consciousness. But his Akita has developed a sense of smell that predicts his dangerous black-outs. And Tink the tortoiseshell cat was honoured for alerting the sleeping Russell family to a fire at their home in Shrewsbury, Worcs. More than 20 plaques have so far been placed on homes under the scheme launched by house and petsitting firm TrustedHousesitters. MD Tim Lyons said: “For over 150 years Britain has honoured deserving people – so we felt it was time to celebrate the nation’s love for our animals. “We look forward to hearing more inspirational tales of cherished pets as the scheme grows.”