Max the Miracle Dog, the famous four-legged hero, has been honored with a permanent bronze statue perched on a bench in Hope Park.
An English Springer Spaniel, Max is an online star with regular updates from Kerry Irving’s. Photos and videos of their time together at charity walks, lakes, and guest appearances have made the popular spaniel a celebrity. Max’s daily live broadcasts became even more popular during the pandemic in 2020 bringing new fans from Australia to America.
Their regular Facebook Live videos became a source of comfort for thousands of people in lockdown helping mental wellness around the world.
Max was presented with the PDSA Order of Merit in February 2021, also known as the animals OBE, for his outstanding contribution to society. Max’s owner Kerry Irving said, “Hope Park is the perfect location as Max has brought hope to so many people. It’s incredible that our little boy, proudly wearing his PDSA Order of Merit, will now be sat there and remembered for generations to come.”
A crowdfunding campaign raised £26,000 in a single day and a statue was quickly erected as Kerry was able to donate additional funds from the campaign to vet charity PDSA.
“Everyone has been so incredibly supportive, I can’t begin to express my thanks to all those that donated their hard-earned money, the Town Council and Hope Park Trust for arranging this wonderful location, our local sculptor Kirsty, and Honister Slate Mine, who helped us pick the perfect slate for the bench,” Kerry added. “And the fact we were able to donate additional proceeds to PDSA too is wonderful, as it’s a charity that is very close to my heart. I’m humbled by it all, and hope that Max’s statue will bring great comfort to all those who visit.”