By Sarah Curran
A HEROIC search and rescue dog has been awarded an honorary ‘dogree’ by Queen’s University Belfast.
Fetching the Animal of the Year award recently at the prestigious university, Bangor’s own Max Gray was joined by a menagerie of deserving pets who were recognised at the second ever pet graduation ceremony.
At the unofficial and informal ceremony, Queen’s invited graduates and their four- legged friends to walk the red carpet before receiving their very own ‘pet-ificate’ in subjects such as Furensic Science, Anthropawlogy, Barkaeology and Mecatical Engineering.
As part of the celebrations, Queen’s also crowned its own Animal of the Year, honouring an exceptional pet nominated by their graduates.
Taking the top title, 12 year-old Max was honoured for his Max was named ‘Animal of the Year’ for gallantry in public service due to his bravery in local and international search and rescue efforts.
Adopted from Assisi Animal Rescue at just one year old by his owner Ryan Gray, Max not only found a home, but a purpose, as he set to work at K9 Search and Rescue NI.
For over a decade Max has used his skills both at home and abroad, with his most recent excursion taking him to Venezuela to help search for survivors following devastating earthquakes last month.
The four-legged hero has travelled by boat, aeroplane and helicopter throughout his career, travelling to where help is needed most.
Speaking after the pet graduation, Ryan said: “Animals all around the world are doing really amazing jobs, and it’s incredible to see Max get recognised in this way.
“He’s so deserving of the ‘Animal of the Year’ award, because he’s spent his whole life working and looking for missing people across the world.
“Having rescued him when he was just a puppy, I really am so proud of him.”
Professor Judy Williams, Pro- Vice-Chancellor for Education and Students added: “At Queen’s, we know that student success is rarely achieved alone. Behind every graduate is a network of support that helps them navigate both the opportunities and challenges of university life. For many students, that support comes from family, friends, staff and peers. For others, it also comes from the companionship of a much-loved pet.”
