KUALA LUMPUR, April 10 — Jasper the Cockapoo that was recognised as ‘Animal of the Year’ for providing emotional support to frontliners at a British hospital during the pandemic has been put to sleep.
Taking to Facebook, Jasper’s owner David Anderson shared that the eight-year-old Cocker Spaniel and Poodle cross had been unwell for the past few days.
A check by the veterinarian later found it has a tumour.
“We made the decision that the right thing for Jasper was for him to be put to sleep,” he wrote in the post.
Describing it as heartbreaking to see Jasper struggle, Anderson said it was not getting better and deserved not to suffer.
“He has been with me through so much and has been such a massive part of my life. He has given me so much love and together we have shared some amazing adventures. He has also been there with me through the darkest days at work and was brave when I was scared,” he added.
Anderson said the thought of walking the corridors without him feels so sad right now.
“Rest in peace Jasper, my friend and my colleague and a really amazing dog,” he said.
Jasper was recognised as the ‘Animal of the Year’ by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) in 2021 for the emotional support it provided to burnt-out frontliners during the pandemic.
Along with Anderson, who is a hospital chaplain and counsellor, they provided support for over 9,000 staff at East Lancashire hospitals NHS trust in the United Kingdom.
Jasper is trained to go to people showing distress or crying and is very perceptive to the emotions around him.
Before the pandemic, Jasper would accompany Anderson to visit patients undergoing end-of-life care, as well as those suffering a mental health crisis or recovering from a stroke.
