COURAGEOUS pets are being recognised for their bravery at the Westmoor Veterinary Centre as it hands out its new Braveheart Awards.

The Tavistock surgery will be nominating patients throughout the year, that staff feel have been exceptionally brave during serious illness or injury.

The first Braveheart Award was presented to Labrador Brandy Hugo for his cheery nature throughout his illness.

Office manager at Westmoor, Denise Nordon-Hall, said: 'Brandy came into the practice in September a little lame, and two days later was totally unable to walk. He was diagnosed with a distal denervating disease, which is extremely rare and no-one knows what causes it. The time scale is unknown as to when and if he would be able to walk again. Brandy was given lots of physiotherapy and plenty of loving care from all the staff and his family, and on Christmas Eve Brandy started to walk.

'Brandy was given this award because his attitude was good throughout his illness. He maintained his bright personality and never got irritable.'

The runner up for the Braveheart Award was a collie named Pheobe Treays, who collided with another dog when out running and was rushed to the centre with a spinal injury, needing urgent surgery.

Denise said: 'The surgery went well and during the following months Pheobe has made incredible progress. She has shown outstanding determination and her cheeky character has shone through on a number of occasions.'