AN animal who showed remarkable courage and bravery has been named the winner of a prestigious competition in Okehampton. Okeford Veterinary Centre are delighted to announce that the winner of their 2007 Braveheart competition is Benson Bellman — a magnificent seven year old Doberman Pinscher. Clients and staff at the vets in Okehampton and Chagford chose Benson as the winner for the remarkable bravery and courage he showed during a long recovery from spinal surgery. Benson was brought to Okeford Vets with signs of severe neck pain. X-rays of his neck showed one of the soft discs between the vertebrae in his neck had collapsed and were pushing on his spinal cord. This caused a huge amount of pain and weakness in his front legs. Benson was in desperate need of spinal surgery — but his problems were about to be compounded. A blood sample showed that Benson had another problem to deal with — a problem that would make the surgery he was facing an even tougher obstacle to overcome. The vets discovered he had a blood disorder called Von Willebrands disease, meaning Benson's blood would not clot if he suffered major bleeding during the surgery. Benson needed the surgery but there was a great risk he might not make it through. After much agonising with Benson's owners, John and Steve, a decision was made to go for surgery, despite the danger of bleeding complications. Benson was sent to a spinal surgery specialist near Bristol who confirmed the problem using an MRI scan. Surgery was planned to remove part of the vertebrae either side of the damaged disc to reduce the pressure on his spine. Thankfully, the surgery went well and Benson was back on his feet within days. However, all of Benson's hard work was yet to come. He had a relapse, possibly caused by a bleed around the spinal cord and was left unable to stand. Benson returned to Okeford for intensive care. In addition to this he received specialist daily physiotherapy with Clare Mcdonald. With patience, dedication, daily physio and TLC, Benson, spurred on by an occasional cheese sandwich, staggered to his feet and has never looked back. Okeford vets say they are also extremely grateful to Doreen Bater, who has donated a Braveheart trophy, in memory of her beloved companion 'Katie.' Katie was a Braveheart winner in 2006 and is still remembered with great affection by all the staff at Okeford Veterinary Centre. The trophy will be presented each year to the Braveheart winner. A spokesman for Okeford Veterinary Centre said: 'Benson's story epitomises the spirit of the Braveheart awards and illustrates the range of expertise both in house and external available to all our clients.'