Biff shows he's a real terrier when it comes to taking on haemophilia

AFTER being diagnosed with haemophilia when he developed a lump on his neck Biff the one-year-old Maltese Terrier from Glasgow had to undergo months of tests and treatment.

He bruised easily, had to be wrapped in bandages and even had a blood transfusion – but Biff never lost his love of life and always wagged his tail whenever the nurses came near.

It was Biff's cheerful good nature which led to him being named Bravest Pet of the Year yesterday in the first annual competition organised by Glasgow pet hospital Vets Now Referral.

Owner Cara Connell said: "I was delighted to hear that Biff had been nominated but just completely over the moon to find out that he had won. Every pet is of course special to their owner and we know just how brave our little dog has been throughout all of his treatment and we're thrilled to see that recognised by all the staff at the hospital and the judges."

Sarah Wright, editor of Your Dog magazine, which co-sponsored the competition said: "In his short life, Biff has endured a lot because of his haemophilia but his courage has shone through and he's coped with it all with a wag of his tail."

Hospital manager Tricia Colville said: "He was in and out of hospital for quite a while and he just put up with it."

The runner-up in the dog section of the competition was Bran from Bellshill, owned by Angela McWee. Bran lost a leg through cancer but continued to enjoy life.

The award for the Bravest Cat in Scotland went to two-year-old Tommy from Kirkintilloch who faced a long period of recovery after breaking his leg.

Veterinary nurses at the hospital believe an especially close bond with his owner Leah Galbraith helped aid Tommy's recovery.

Runner up in the cat category was Whisky from Glasgow, a two-year-old who has an impaired immune system.

Ms Colville added: "We have so many amazing pets and their owners coming to the hospital we thought it would be a good idea to recognise them."