Make A Difference Animal finalists celebrated
BBCTwo dogs, an alpaca and volunteers who care for endangered species are making a difference to both people and animals.
Jet is a therapy and detection dog, Ridley was a guide dog and an ambassador dog, and Thunderball is an alpaca with a passion for people. Together with volunteers who care for lemurs and meerkats at Shaldon Wildlife Trust, they are all being recognised for their service.
The BBC Radio Devon Make A Difference Animal Award is awarded to an animal that improves the life of an individual or group of people, or to a person or group of people working with animals to improve animal welfare.
This year's finalists reflect the impact animals have on people and the positive contribution they make to local lives.
Jet is cocker spaniel who, alongside his owner Nick Jarrold, volunteers with Pets as Therapy. Visiting Exeter College twice a week, they support hundreds of students.
"Seeing Jet reduces their stress and increases their feelings of warmth and gives them that strength to just get on with their day," said Jarrold.
Jet is also a trained detection dog and demonstrates these skills for students studying for public service professions too.
"What could be better that to go to work with your favourite non-human – your dog," said Jarrold.
Ridley is also being recognised for his service. He began life as a guide dog, serving for eight years before becoming an ambassador dog for Guide Dogs for the Blind. This saw him attending events and fundraisers, being recognised as a Hero Dog for the charity.
"He has done so much in his lifetime and touched so many hearts," said his owner Peter Boston.
"He was a guide dog, an ambassador dog, then a therapy dog – and a companion."
Ridley also worked with Paws and Read – a scheme supporting children to read.
Ridley died in May, so is being honoured posthumously.
The therapeutic work of an alpaca is also being recognised.
Thunderball, part of Lakemoor Alpacas, visits care homes, schools and hospitals.
"He is naturally gentle and caring around people. I think he senses their vulnerabilities," said owner Sam Norman.
The alpaca even visits care home residents in their rooms. This, according to Sam, can cause surprise and confusion coming in and out of lifts.
"It's just a lovely interaction… people's faces light up," said co-owner Mark Norman.
Endangered animals are the focus at the Shaldon Wildlife Trust. The charity's volunteers are recognised for their care and support for more than 50 different species.
Their work includes feeding lemurs and meerkats, as well as capuchins and tamarins.
"We all feel very privileged to be feeding these incredible creatures," said Charlotte, one of the volunteer team.
"It's just magical."
They also support the breeding and conservation programmes at one of the country's smallest zoos.
Previous Make A Difference Animal Awards have recognised Harry, a therapy llama, and Digby, the Devon and Somerset Fire Rescue dog.
The Make A Difference Awards take place on 24 September.
The stories of this year's finalists are here.
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