A SPANIEL who brought virtual comfort to thousands during the COVID-19 pandemic has become the first pet to be honored with the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) Order of Merit (OBE) – an accolade typically reserved for service animals.

Max was presented with the award, which leading U.K. veterinary charity PDSA describes as the animal equivalent of an OBE, at a virtual ceremony for his outstanding contribution to society.

The 13-year-old springer spaniel’s daily walks in the Lake District are broadcast on Facebook Live and enjoyed by people all over the world.

The organization has handed out awards to single out animals for bravery or service since 1943, with the Order of Merit issued to animals including U.S. secret service dogs and metropolitan police horses.

Max’s owner, Kerry Irving, says that his pet gave him a “reason to live” after a traffic accident left him severely depressed and unable to walk. Sharing the “support, comfort and joy” Max brings with others has been a “privilege,” he added.

PDSA director general Jan McLoughin congratulated Max on his achievement, saying: “Max has provided a source of huge comfort – not only to his owner Kerry, but to thousands of people across the globe who are facing or have gone through hard times.”

Aside from social media stardom, Max is a trained therapy dog and has met with more than 100,000 people through meet-and-greets, charity walks and school visits.

Since the PDSA’s Order of Merit was launched in 2014, it has been awarded to 32 dogs and horses.

(SD-Agencies)