PDSA Pay Tribute to Assistance Dog, Endal

Gulf War veteran, Allen Parton today received an honorary PDSA Pet Tribute Tag in remembrance of his faithful assistance dog, Endal, who died earlier this year. Endal’s Tag will remain on permanent display in the PDSA ‘Paws Forever’ Pet Tribute Garden in Ilford, which is once again open to visitors.

Jan McLoughlin, PDSA Director General, who presented the honorary Tag said: “It gives me great pleasure to present this PDSA Pet Tribute Tag to Allen in memory of his wonderful assistance dog, Endal, who was so much a part of the Parton family for 11 years. The story of Endal’s contribution to Allen’s rehabilitation following his injury in the Gulf has been shared by millions of people worldwide and he is missed by all his friends, not least PDSA.”

On receiving Endal’s honorary Pet Tribute Tag, Allen said: “I am honoured to receive the Tribute Tag from PDSA. Endal saved my life in so many ways. I still miss him every day and my family do too. This Tag will be a lasting reminder of a great dog and a best friend in a million.”

In 2002, Endal was awarded the PDSA Gold Medal – recognised as the animals’ George Cross – after coming to the rescue when Allen was knocked out of his wheelchair. As Allen lay unconscious, Endal put him in the recovery position, covered him with a blanket and managed to alert staff at a nearby hotel.

Allen was accompanied at the ceremony today by his new assistance dog, EJ (Endal Junior). EJ, another yellow Labrador, is following in Endal’s pawprints by showing his skills as a devoted assistance dog.

Endal’s story has been the subject of the worldwide best selling book Endal (published by Harper True).