The PDSA award, named for the charity's founder, animal welfare pioneer Maria Elisabeth Dickin CBE, was created to recognise the increasingly important role being played by regimental and other service mascots, soon expanding to include service animals whose specialised training saw them working alongside men and women on the home and battle fronts, out at sea and eventually even deep into enemy-held territory. The medal quickly became known around the world as the Animals' V.C., and was conceived to recognise only the most outstanding examples of gallantry and devotion. The first awards made were to birds, three carrier pigeons involved in locating downed aircrew; more recently recipients have been trained specialist dogs engaged in hunting down explosives in the Gulf and Afghanistan, and aiding the rescue and recovery operation in New York following the 9/11 attacks. Thirty-two birds, twenty-seven dogs, three Metropolitan Police horses and a ship's cat; these 63 recipients' stories provide a fascinating insight into wartime history, while celebrating animal heroes whose service to humanity saved countless lives.