Endal was a yellow, male Labrador retriever, whose skills as a service and assistance dog led to him receiving numerous awards including the PDSA’s Gold Medal for Animal Gallantry and Devotion to Duty. In fact, Endal won so many awards he became known as the world’s most decorated dog.
This amazing dog was the assistance dog of disabled ex-Royal Navy Chief Petty Officer Allen Parton. Endal also served as an animal ambassador for a number of service dog related charities.
He understood, and could respond to, over one hundred voice and hand commands. Some of his amazing feats included taking items from supermarket shelves, operating buttons and light switches, and even loading and emptying the washing machine.
Endal was also trained to operate an ATM cash machine for his owner. He could place the bank card in the slot, then at the end of the transaction, place it back in the wallet.
Endal came to the public attention in Britain in 2001, after an incident that truly showed the skill and dedication of this incredible dog. Allen Parton was hit by a car and knocked from his wheelchair. While he lay unconscious on the ground, Endal pulled him into the recovery position, retrieved his mobile phone from underneath a car, fetched a blanket and covered him, then ran to a nearby hotel to get help.
Sadly, Endal passed away in 2009, when he had to be euthanized after suffering a stroke. He was 13 years old.
In February 2009, a book about the life of this amazing dog was published, and a movie based on the book is currently in production.
