Peter (dog)

Peter was born in 1941, and was purchased by Mrs Audrey Stables, of Gregory Avenue, Weoley Castle, for 25 shillings. He was noted by his owner as having dual talents; for destruction of his owner's home and for ignoring every command given. In 1946, Peter and his handler were present at the Civil Defence Stand–Down parade in Hyde Park, London. It was there that he was presented to King and Queen, and received a kiss on the nose from Princess Elizabeth, the future Elizabeth II. He was later used to demonstrate mountain rescue techniques to other rescue dogs and handlers. He returned home to Mrs Stables, and moved to a PDSA animal sanctuary before he died. Peter was buried at the PDSA's Ilford Animal Cemetery on 20 November 1952, one of twelve recipients of the Dickin Medal to be buried there. ==Awards==

Peter was awarded the Dickin Medal, considered to be the Victoria Cross for animals, The ceremony was conducted at the Grosvenor House Hotel, where he was awarded the medal by Sir James Ross of the Air Ministry. The Dickin Medal is often referred to as the animal metaphorical equivalent of the Victoria Cross. His Dickin Medal was auctioned by Spinks on 27 July 2000 for £4,600 (US$6,964). Peter's owner had died, and the medal was being sold by a private collector. ==See also==