Max the dog is first pet to receive ‘Order of Merit’ after comforting thousands over lockdown

The spaniel provided virtual therapy to thousands during lockdown.

English springer spaniel, Max who will receive the PSDA Order of Merit for his work during the pandemic (PA)

A spaniel who brought virtual comfort to thousands during the Covid-19 pandemic has become the first pet to be honoured with the PDSA Order of Merit - an accolade typically reserved for service animals.

Max was presented with the award, which leading veterinary charity the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals describes as the animal equivalent of an OBE, at a virtual ceremony for his outstanding contribution to society.

The 13 year-old springer spaniel’s daily walks in the Lake District are broadcast on Facebook Live and enjoyed by people all over the world.

The organisation has handed out awards to single out animals for bravery or service since 1943, with the order of merit issued to animals including US secret service dogs and metropolitan police horses.

Max’s owner, Kerry Irving, says that her pet gave him a “reason to live” after a traffic accident left him severely depressed and unable to walk. Sharing the “support, comfort and joy” Max brings with others has been a “privilege”, he added.

PDSA director general Jan McLoughin congratulated Max on his achievement, saying: “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.”

She added that he has become a “true ambassador” for mental health and wellbeing, “which is more important now than ever”.

Aside from social media stardom, Max is a trained therapy dog and has met with more than 100,000 people through meet-and-greets, charity walks and school visits.

His appearances have helped to raise £300,000 for a number of charities including PDSA.

Max’s owner is a keen amateur photographer and records his pet’s adventures on the Facebook page Max Out in the Lake District.

He 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.”

Mr Irving says soldiers who served in Afghanistan have contacted him to say they used to look at his page to remind them of home.

NHS staff have also told him they’ve found “moments of peace and escape” with Max during the pandemic.

Since the PDSA’s Order of Merit was launched in 2014, it has been awarded to 32 dogs and horses.

Additional reporting by agencies