AN appeal has been made to all courageous cats, daring dogs, brave bunnies and heroic horses.

Blue Cross pet charity is appealing for tales of heroic pets that have done something amazing to change or even save a life, as it opens nominations for this year’s Blue Cross Medal.

From life-saving search-and-rescue dogs to caring companion cats, the Blue Cross Medal celebrates the important role pets play in our lives and the incredible difference they can make for their owners and other people.

The leading pet charity is calling on animal lovers to speak up for inspirational pets who could be this year’s medal winner.

Sally de la Bedoyere, Blue Cross chief executive and one of the judges for last year’s medal, said: “The Blue Cross medal is our way of honouring the amazing connection we have with our pets. The winner’s story could be as simple as a pet that has changed someone’s life with the bond they share, or as dramatic as a daring rescue. Our pets can be heroes for all sorts of reasons and we want to hear your stories about the ways that they have made a difference.”

Previous winners include inspirational rescue dog turned Pets as Therapy dog Bonnie, who spent years helping vulnerable people in her community, and amazing medical detection dog Daisy, who detected cancer in her owner.

The Blue Cross Medal was reinstated in 2014 to mark the centenary of the First World War when it first awarded a number of medals to honour horses which had served in the war.

Sick, injured and homeless pets have relied on Blue Cross since 1897 and the charity played an important role providing frontline veterinary care to horses during the First World War.

The closing date for entries is October 31. To nominate a pet, visit bluecross.org.uk/medal.