Max and Paddy - PDSA Commendation
Cumbrian canines Max and Paddy received a PDSA Commendation for their devotion to owner Kerry and helping him through severe depression after a car accident.
A special awards presentation was held at the North Lakes Hotel & Spa in Penrith in 2018 to honour the dogs – and a lot of fans came along to show their love and support!
Some people might recognise Max and Paddy (along with their little ‘brother’ Harry!) from social media, but their story starts back in 2006 when owner Kerry's life changed forever after a car accident. Read their full story below.
Like a lot of people who live in the Lakes, Kerry loved the outdoors and would happily take any opportunity to get out and exploring in hills and mountains.
Sadly in 2006, Kerry’s whole life was turned upside down in the blink of an eye. His car was hit by a truck and the accident left him with chronic neck and back pain. A previously outdoor-loving Kerry was left housebound on 27 tablets a day.
As could be expected, Kerry’s life changed drastically. He was in constant pain and was finding life more and more difficult. He has six spinal injections and two operations to try and relieve his suffering.
“The change in my lifestyle and the constant pain plunged me into a deep depression,” says Kerry. “I don’t say this lightly, but I was on the verge of suicide. It was an extremely difficult time for my wife Angela too.”
Two years after the accident, Kerry was still struggling to walk. He suffered panic attacks when he left the house, afraid he wouldn’t be able to make it back. All the while, Kerry’s mental health was also declining as he fell further into depression.
At his lowest point, Kerry met Max. Something about the inquisitive spaniel caught Kerry’s attention and he eventually asked to take the pup out for some walks.
“We immediately gelled and getting out to walk him, even if it was just to the end of the road and back, helped me to get out. I gradually started walking further and further with him.”
Max turned out to be exactly what Kerry needed. Although he was still in pain from his back injury – something he continues to suffer with, even now – he was back out walking again. They went only very short distances at first, but it was a start and bit by bit Max helped Kerry back out into the hills he loved and missed.
It took six years for Kerry to make it up a hill again and in that time he and wife Angela were given the opportunity to adopt Max – which they did so willingly!
“He makes me smile every day. He gave me a reason to get up in the morning in those early days after my accident and something else to focus on, other than the pain.”
Kerry credits Max with helping him get his life back on track. He has retrained as a locksmith and Max is always with him.
In 2017, Kerry and Angela decided to adopt another dog, in the form of mischievous puppy Paddy. He became Max’s ‘apprentice’, joining them in the van to work and on their adventures in the Lakes.
As they started getting out more again, Kerry and Angela started taking more images of the boys as they walked the fells around Keswick. They’d always been interested in amateur photography and would happily snap away when they were off walking.
After a bit of persuasion from friends, Kerry started the Facebook page ‘Max out in the Lake District’ to share their adventures with people all round the country (and the rest of the world!). Their stories and photos took off with the page gaining nearly 70,000 fans within just two years.
“We receive daily messages from people all over the world, saying how the boys make them smile and bring joy to their life. Each has their own personal story. I have met soldiers who have served in Afghanistan who say they used to look at Max and Paddy’s page to remind them of home.
“Lots of people have asked to meet the boys and many who we’ve met have very sad stories to tell: terminal illness, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, bereavement, loneliness.”
Max and Paddy, with little brother Harry, are now helping more people through Kerry’s social channels. Their story shows the incredible impact animals have on us and the strength of the bond between owner and dog.
The boys and PDSA
Since embarking on their incredible journey, Kerry and the boys have have also been working hard to raise awareness (and funds!) for causes close to their heart.
We're lucky enough to be one of those causes. Kerry admits he may not have coped without Max and like us doesn't think any family should be separated because of financial hardship. Without us, over 400,000 pets would have gone without treatment last year and many of those would have died without our help.
Kerry and the boys raised thousands for poorly pets in need. They did a jetty jump, a dog walk and so much more which has gone towards helping societies most vulnerable pets.
Little brother Harry is helping us, too! Harry is the ambassador for PDSA Pet Insurance. Every policy sold goes towards helping pets in need (with the added bonus of protecting your pet for whatever happens next).
Want to get involved? Find out more below.