Survivor pups scoop top prize at Hearing Dog Awards
Penny and Panda beat the odds and overcame serious health problems. They are now undergoing training to become Hearing Dogs.
A pair of cocker spaniel puppies have scooped a top prize at the Hearing Dog Awards this year, after overcoming a traumatic start to life.
The pups jointly received the Puppy of the Year award, which was presented by Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal and TV vet Marc Abraham.
Panda and Penny's troubles began at birth when their mother Molly was unable to produce milk. All of her six puppies had to be syringe-fed around the clock by Hearing Dogs staff and volunteers.
Miraculously, the whole litter survived, but Panda and Penny had another challenge to face; they were both diagnosed with serious heart complications and needed life-saving surgery.
Panda's heart stopped during surgery and Penny developed pancreatitis, resulting in six days in intensive care. While staff feared the worst, the pups beat the odds and pulled through. Now 13 months old, the pair are ready to start their training to become specially trained hearing dogs.
Around one in six people in the UK suffer from hearing loss. The Hearing Dog Awards celebrate the life-altering impact hearing dogs have on deaf children and adults.
Other winners this year included Joker, who alerted his owner Robert Middleton when his wife had collapsed.
Golden retriever cross Boots was honoured for the way he adapted to help his owner Tammy, from Cornwall. As well as helping to build her confidence and self-esteem, hearing dog Boots learned new skills to help Tammy after she lost the use of her legs.
Hearing dog Chloe and 11-year-old Max Norris from Essex won Life-changing Child Partnership of the Year. Chloe has become a best friend to Max, who suffers from a rare crania facial disorder called Treacher Collins syndrome and suffered years of loneliness and isolation because of his condition.
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. 
