A nine-year-old blood donor dog who has helped save the lives of up to 150 other dogs has been named the winner of the Animal Award at this year’s BBC Make a Difference Awards in Kent.
Jaffa, a Bracco Italiano, was selected as the winner by Jo Saunders, our Head of Curriculum for Animal Management, who was invited to judge the award for the second year running.
The BBC Make a Difference Awards celebrate people and organisations across Kent who have gone above and beyond to make a positive difference to the lives of others.
Jaffa was one of four inspirational finalists in the Animal Award, alongside Mabel, a Pets as Therapy dog supporting people with dementia and children with reading; Lisa Steward of Thorne Hedgehog Rescue CIC; and Bambi and Storm, mentor dogs supporting children's wellbeing at Twydall Primary School.
Having already made 34 blood donations through Pet Blood Bank, Jaffa has helped provide lifesaving blood to dogs in desperate need of emergency transfusions. Last week, she made her final donation, marking her retirement from blood donation.
Jo said: “What an honour to judge the Animal Category for the second year in a row. This year was particularly difficult as they were all so worthy.
“To be there on the night was an absolute pleasure. It was a night of celebration of all the kindness people and animals bring to the county and it reminds you about all the goodness happening around us.
“It was so tough choosing between the four finalists. Lisa is frankly a hero in my eyes and an absolute inspiration to students like ours here at NKC Hadlow College. Bambi, Storm and Mabel were all nominated for their work with children and the elderly; there is so much research out there evidencing the difference dogs make to those with dementia, and children with special educational needs.
“But, I just had to choose Jaffa as my winner this year – she has saved the lives of up to 150 dogs who were in desperate need of emergency blood transfusions. Just last week, Jaffa gave her last donation. Sadly, the dog in need didn’t make it, but the owner reached out to Jaffa’s owner, Kayleigh, to express their gratitude that someone out there tried. I’m hoping that all of the people who have heard Jaffa’s story over the past few months have felt inspired, and, hopefully, there may be a few more donors to take the helm following Jaffa’s retirement!”
At NKC Hadlow College, Animal Management students develop their understanding of animal welfare, behaviour, husbandry, wildlife and conservation through a combination of academic study and practical experience. You can find out more about studying at NKC Hadlow College here.
The awards ceremony, held at the Quarterhouse in Folkestone on 22 September, was also a special evening for BBC viewers, with part of the ceremony broadcast live on BBC’s The One Show after presenter Gaby Roslin made a surprise appearance and “hijacked” the stage to present the Active Award.
Congratulations to Jaffa and owner Kayleigh on a very deserving award, and to all four Animal Award finalists for the difference they make.