1934 - A milestone in the story of PDSA’s ever-growing success, 1934 saw the number of free treatments each year pass the one million mark for the first time. This was also the year in which Maria Dickin, ever keen to spread the word on responsible pet care, launched the Busy Bees, a special club for children. Busy Bees the length and breadth of the country were soon learning about how to look after their dogs, cats and rabbits properly and were hard at work raising vital funds for PDSA.
1939-1945 - PDSA Animal Rescue squads helped to save and treat over a quarter of a million pets that had been buried and injured by debris during the blitz. In January 1943, PDSA set up its Allied Forces' Mascot Club for animals that served as morale-boosting companions in army regiments and on board navy ships. Later, PDSA went further in honouring the courage and devotion of those animals that served alongside British forces. The Dickin Medal, was established in 1943, to recognise animals that had shown outstanding bravery or endurance in the line of duty.
1951 - A sad year for PDSA. Founder and inspiration, Maria Dickin, CBE, died on 1 March, aged 81, after a life spent working tirelessly on behalf of animals.
She will be remembered as one of the great figures in the history of animal welfare, not only in the UK but across the world.
1952 - Enid Blyton, the famous children’s writer, became Queen of the Busy Bees Club. So popular was she that over 20,000 new members joined in her first year.
1958 Buoyed by the success of the Busy Bees, in October 1958 PDSA launched the Animal Service Guild, a new club aimed at older children.
