A rescue dog from Bangor has picked up a very different kind of honour at Queen’s University Belfast.

Max Gray, a 12-year-old search-and-rescue dog from Northern Ireland, was named Animal of the Year during the university’s second pet graduation ceremony, according to the County Down Spectator.

At the event, graduates and their pets took a turn on the red carpet, and the animals received playful “pet-ificates” in subjects including Furensic Science, Anthropawlogy, Barkaeology and Mecatical Engineering.

Max was also recognised for “gallantry in public service” linked to his local and international search-and-rescue work.

Owned by Ryan Gray, Max was adopted from Assisi Animal Rescue when he was about 1 year old and later served with K9 Search and Rescue NI.

Over more than a decade, he has travelled by boat, plane and helicopter to support emergency efforts, including a mission to Venezuela following devastating earthquakes.

“Animals all around the world are doing really amazing jobs, and it’s incredible to see Max get recognised in this way,” Gray said.

Professor Judy Williams, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education and Students at Queen’s University Belfast, said: “At Queen’s, we know that student success is rarely achieved alone.”

She said support can come from many places, including “the companionship of a much-loved pet.”

“He’s so deserving of the ‘Animal of the Year’ award, because he’s spent his whole life working and looking for missing people across the world,” Gray said. “Having rescued him when he was just a puppy, I really am so proud of him.”

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