MAX the dog is receiving the animal equivalent of an OBE after his owner, Kerry Irving, revealed his furry friend saved him from depression.
Max the ‘Miracle Dog’: Kerry Irving on his battle with depression
Sign up for FREE for latest news plus tips to save money and the environment Invalid emailWhen you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Sometimes they'll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. Our Privacy Notice explains more about how we use your data, and your rights. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Max and his owner Mr Irving appeared on Sky News this morning. Dubbed as a ‘virtual therapy dog’, the 13-year-old springer spaniel from the Lake District is receiving one of the highest accolades in the animal world, the PDSA Order of Merit.Max’s owner, Mr Irving, 46, credits his dog with giving him a “reason to live” after a car accident 12 years ago left him with severe back pain and depression.Sky News Presenter, Gillian Joseph, commented on the love and affection which radiated from Max and his owner. Kerry said that Max is not only his best friend, but also the “best friend of millions of people across the globe. Max’s story has touched so many people.”
Mr Irving continued: “Max helped me recover from depression and has helped me to actually talk about depression.
“I was driving home from work one day and my car got hit by a truck. I was housebound for about two-and-a-half to three years.
Here's an ingenious leash that has a built-in waste-bag dispenser and a compartment for keys, cards, phone, and treats.
“One day I was sent out to buy a pint of milk by my wife. That is not a great task in itself but when you are struggling with anxiety and depression, when you have been an active person and that’s been strictly limited, you do just want to stay in bed. You just do not want to be here. I was looking at ways of ending that.
“Then I met [Max] and he gave me a reason to get back outside and enjoy life. From that moment on he has been by my side every day.”
READ MORE:Woman found huge dog in her living room
Now Max has met more than 10,000 people through meet-and-greets, charity walks and visits to schools, hospitals and hospices.
He has also raised nearly £300,000 for a number of charities, including PDSA.
Use Covers to Keep Your Furniture Fur Free. Do you allow your pets on the furniture? If you do you’re well aware of how hard is to keep them clean. My favorite tip for keeping your furniture clean and fur free is to use a cover. You can use sheets, blankets or slip covers — and if you want something to match your decor you can get them custom made. When it’s cleaning time you just throw those covers in the wash & you’re good to go.
“He has helped people from all different backgrounds and all different age groups from three-year-olds to 90-year-olds.
"It is just incredible the amount of support and the community that we have online. They join us everyday for a virtual walk and it just makes people smile and realise that there is life out there.”
DON'T MISSShould Meghan Markle and Harry be stripped of their titles? VOTE [ROYAL]Covid cases in my area MAPPED: What is the R-number where I live? [COVID]Olly Murs has head in hands over naked video clip [CELEB]
Mr Irving added: “With this pandemic, there is going to be a lot of issues with mental health and if we can use Max to help people then I think that is a blessing.
Max is the first pet dog to win the prestigious PDSA Order of Merit, most winners are police dogs and specifically trained search and rescue dogs.
On the award, Kerry said: “I think that is testament to what animals can bring to us and the joy and comfort they bring too.”