Jordan Ward
From 'Devil Dogs' To 'Caring Canines'
9 years ago 
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University student who sought rehabilitation in animal charity work attributes academic success to his work with ‘Devil Dogs’
To mark the launch of the Petplan and Association of Dogs & Cats Home (ADCH) Animal Charity Awards 2016, 22-year-old Blue Cross volunteer, Jordan Ward, has spoken out, crediting his success in gaining a place at university to his animal charity work with bull breeds such as Staffies, Bull Terriers and Bulldogs. Having suffered a turbulent adolescence, he found his life turned around when he began dedicating himself to changing the breed’s public image, from one of ‘devil dogs’ to ‘caring canines’ through his work with the Oxford-based charity.
With experience of being judged himself as an adolescent, Jordan felt an affinity with the misunderstood breeds, who he perceives as having gained unfounded negative press over the past years. Jordan first came into contact with the image of bull breeds as aggressive dogs when his own pets were taken away from him for supposedly ‘being dangerous’, despite having been well-trained and well behaved. After he successfully appealed, he focused his attentions on the unfounded public perception and looked to correct the stereotype.
Jordan began working at the Blue Cross as an Educational Volunteer – a role which has inspired him to follow a career working with animals. In this position, Jordan delivers talks on the topic of bull breeds, working with trainers to teach young people how to care for their dogs.
Speaking on the subject of his work with the Blue Cross, Jordan asserts: “Volunteering turned my life around – I suppose you could say I saw something of myself in the bull breeds I care for. They’ve got an unfounded reputation for being aggressive, and I know from being judged on my appearance as a teenager how damaging judging a book by its cover can be. Volunteering has kept me on the straight and narrow, and meant that I’ve found a clear career path that I’m passionate about – working with animals!”
Jordan’s passion and hard work resulted in him reaching the finals of the Petplan and ADCH Animal Charity Awards for the accolade of Animal Charity Volunteer of the Year 2015. The Awards celebrate the unsung heroes of the country’s animal charities, who dedicate themselves to rescuing and rehoming animals in need.
Jordan is encouraging members of the public to nominate their very own charity heroes for 2016’s Petplan Animal Charity Awards. Jordan states: “Being a finalist for last year’s Animal Charity Awards was a real honour. I love the work I do with bull breed dogs at the charity and it was encouraging to be recognised for doing something I feel truly passionate about. I’d encourage anyone who knows a fantastic animal charity, or charity worker, to nominate them for an Award.”
Isabella von Mesterhazy, Head of Marketing at Petplan, comments: “These awards are a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the outstanding work of animal charities and not-for-profit organisations across the UK. Petplan works with over 1,200 animal charities, helping them to continue rescuing and rehoming the most vulnerable animals in the country and to date, we have given just under £21 million to these charities since 2001. The Petplan & ADCH Animal Charity Awards provide an opportunity to recognise the dedication and commitment of charities and give pet owners the chance to say’ thank you’.
To nominate an animal charity that you feel deserves an award, simply visit www.petplan.co.uk/charityawards before 15th Feb 2016.
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