Don't miss a thing by getting the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox You might not have heard of it, but the Dickin Medal is the equivalent of the Victoria Cross for animals.
The highest award an animal can receive while serving during a military conflict, it celebrates the incredible achievements, determination, and loyalty demonstrated by some of our best four-legged and feathered friends.
Established in 1943 by Maria Dickin, the founder of the pet charity PDSA, the medal - a bronze medallion with the words ‘For Gallantry - We Also Serve’ on a ribbon striped green, brown, and blue to represent the Navy, Army, and Air Force - has been awarded 73 times.
Read more on manchestereveningnews.co.uk