THE Braveheart winners from Okeford Veterinary Centre for March and April have been announced. The March winner was Patch, a special little Jack Russell Terrier, who has had to overcome several problems in her seven years of life. She has been on long term treatment for epilepsy for several years and during a recent fit she suffered severe nerve damage to one of her front legs. Patch subsequently started chewing incessantly at her leg and the difficult decision was made to amputate her leg. Patch has made a brilliant recovery and still chases around on three legs as fast as her four-legged friends. The following month saw Autumn, an eight-year old long haired cat brought to the surgery with a very common problem — fur balls. Unfortunately for Autumn her hair balls became well and truly wedged causing her to become quite sick. An X-ray revealed the hair ball was lodged within her intestines and despite medical treatment the staff were unable to shift the blockage. This left no option but to remove the offending blockage surgically. Autumn's recovery was slow to start with but within a week she was back to her normal self. Both animals have been through major surgery but have made brilliant recoveries thanks to the care and dedication of their owners and all the staff at Okeford Veterinary centre. Both will be nominated for the Braveheart of the Year title.