BVNA Congress 2014 begins
Sally Baldwin described how she came to home Brin, a stray Afghan Hound who had saved soldiers' lives by barking at roadside bombs in Helmand.
The 41st BVNA Congress opened this morning at the Telford International Centre in Shropshire, with a keynote speech given by Sally Baldwin, trustee of Nowzad Dogs.
In her Presidential welcome, BVNA president Kirstie Shield introduced the work of Nowzad, the BVNA chosen charity of the year.
Nowzad was set up with the aim of improving the welfare of the animals of Afghanistan, which includes humanely reducing the stray dog and cat population. In turn, it is hoped that this will reduce the incidents of rabies, provide animal welfare education for the Afghan people and develop training programmes to improve the lives of working animals.
Due to unforeseen circumstances, Nowzad founder and chairman Pen Farthing was unable to attend the congress, but sent his best wishes to the BVNA in a video message posted from the Nowzad Shelter in Afghanistan - a safe, sheltered environment for 100 stray dogs on the outskirts of Kabul.
In a tearful speech, teacher and trustee of the charity Sally Baldwin described how she came to home Brin, a stray Afghan Hound who had saved soldiers' lives by barking at roadside bombs in Helmand.
British army officials adopted the homeless dog, who helped them on a number of dangerous patrols before he was seized by the Taliban.
Thankfully, Brin survived and was re-captured. However, when his adopted army unit was moved out of Helmand, he was set to be deserted and killed.
Hearing of the news, Sally Baldwin began a campaign to save his life. She said: "Having no intention of rehoming him, I sold my car and he became my passion for three months."
"I was asked to care of Brin for the lads. After picking myself up off the floor, I knew I had six months in which to get to know him. Quarantine for Brin and I, was probably one of the best six months of my life."
"He has raised over 15,000 since he's come home. I have a lot to thank the Nowzad charity for, and I promised Brin that we would never forget the others and I am very proud to be part of the team."
Following her speech, Sally Baldwin was presented with a donation by the BVNA and the awards ceremony began. Veterinary nurses were awarded with eight different awards for outstanding contributions to the profession.
Jo Hinde took the award for Blue Cross Veterinary Nurse of the year, which celebrates the huge contribution that veterinary nurses make to the industry.
Andrea Jeffery won the College of Animal Welfare Professional Development Award, and two honorary membership awards were handed out to Esther Blakey and Col. Neil Smith.
The 41st annual congress of the BVNA promises to be the biggest and best yet. Focussing on the many aspects of veterinary nursing, this year's programme will be brimming with scientific lectures and social events.
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
