A remarkable assistance dog from Surrey has been recognised by leading veterinary charity PDSA with a commendation award after dedicating eight years to keeping his owner safe and independent.

Nine-year-old black labrador Rowley has been recognised for his extraordinary devotion to owner Megan, who lives with complex disabilities, including visual impairment, profound hearing loss in one ear, mobility difficulties and Crohn's disease.

Throughout his working life, he has carried out multiple vital roles as Megan's guide dog, disability assistance dog, medical alert and response dog, providing life-changing support that has enabled her to live and work independently.

Since being partnered with Megan in 2018, Rowley has become her constant companion, preventing countless accidents through his intelligent guidance and alerting her to more than 6,000 medical episodes before they occur.

His remarkable scent detection skills provide her with up to seven minutes' warning before she loses consciousness, allowing her to reach a place of safety.

Rowley has physically prevented Megan from stepping into moving traffic when unsafe, alerted her before fainting episodes and seizures, and pulled emergency cords in disabled toilets when she has collapsed.

His work has given her the confidence to embrace opportunities that once seemed out of reach.

Megan said: “It’s because of Rowley that I’ve been able to work for the Surrey Coalition of Disabled People, where I deliver disability awareness training, help people to save money on their energy bills, campaign for disability rights, and run a peer support group to help others.

“I’m incredibly proud that Rowley has received the PDSA Commendation because words will never truly express what he means to me. Everything I've achieved over the last eight years has only been possible because Rowley has been by my side every step of the way."

Together, Megan and Rowley have also volunteered for a variety of charities, raising more than £10,000.

Megan has also been able to participate in adaptive sports, including climbing Snowdon and Ben Nevis with Rowley by her side, and completing the London Marathon in her wheelchair, with Rowley cheering her on from home.

Now approaching retirement on his 10th birthday in October, Rowley's career leaves an extraordinary legacy of loyalty, devotion and life-saving service.

PDSA director general Jan McLoughlin said: “PDSA’s Animal Awards are an incredibly important part of our history and our commitment to recognising the extraordinary contribution animals make to our lives.

“For generations we have celebrated animals whose courage, loyalty, devotion and companionship have had a profound impact on people and communities.

“The PDSA Commendation is particularly special because it shines a light on the everyday heroes - animals whose unwavering love, support and devotion have transformed the lives of those around them.”

PDSA's Animal Awards programme was established in 1943 by the charity's founder, Maria Dickin, who believed recognising animals for their exceptional actions would raise their status in society and encourage better treatment.

In the last year, PDSA has supported more than 339,000 people and treated over 422,000 pets across its network of over 40 pet hospitals and associated clinics.