A SEARCH and Rescue Dog from Dorset, who completed hundreds of searches during his exemplary ten-year career, has been honoured by the UK’s leading veterinary charity, PDSA.

Border Collie Charlie, who worked with his volunteer handler Matt Cooke, posthumously received the PDSA Order of Merit, known as the animals’ OBE, for his outstanding devotion to duty and service to society.

Charlie, who passed away in 2017, is the 32nd recipient of the award since its institution in 2014. His medal was presented to canine colleague Zak at a special presentation at Highcliffe Castle on Tuesday October 15.

Commenting on the awards, PDSA Director General, Jan McLoughlin, said: “We are pleased to announce Charlie as the latest recipient of the PDSA Order of Merit. Although we’re saddened that he was unable to receive his honour during his lifetime, we hope that Matt and his colleagues at Dorset Search Dogs see it as a fitting tribute to his incredible career.

“The PDSA Order of Merit was introduced to recognise animals for their exceptional devotion to duty and service to society. Charlie was a truly exceptional animal and an incredibly worthy recipient of this medal.”

Charlie started training as a Search and Rescue Dog with his owner, volunteer handler Matt Cooke, when he was 14 weeks old, qualifying in November 2005.

He soon attained the highest level of qualification and subsequently spent ten years in service with Dorset Search Dogs and Lowlands Search and Rescue. In this time, he completed hundreds of searches and amassed thousands of search hours.

His most notable work includes locating Pauline Muggleton, an elderly and vulnerable lady who had been missing on Ferndown common for 14 hours in 2007.

Police and ambulance services reported that had Charlie not found her when he did, she wouldn’t have survived.

Charlie’s handler, Search and Rescue volunteer, Matt Cooke, said: “Charlie was my boy. My dog of a lifetime. He was a pleasure to train and work alongside, and I am immensely proud of everything he has achieved in his career.

“For him to receive the PDSA Order of Merit, even after he has left us, is such an incredible honour.

“I am thrilled to have Zak – his Hampshire Search and Rescue colleague – accept the medal on Charlie’s behalf.”