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Posted: 8th May 2026

Battersea rescue starts new job with NHS Ambulance
Jaffa now gives support in the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service Care Dog Team.
Jaffa underwent major surgery for a liver shunt.

A miniature poodle has started a new job with the NHS Ambulance Service, having overcome a difficult start to his life.

Jaffa arrived at Battersea as a stray, aged just 12 weeks old. However, it soon became clear that he was not well.

The puppy had a series of medical tests, and soon received the diagnosis of a liver shunt.

A liver shunt is a serious and life-threatening condition, in which blood bypasses the liver. This is caused by an abnormal blood vessel connecting the system draining the digestive tract to the circulatory system feeding the rest of the body.

This prevents the liver from filtering toxins and absorbing vital nutrients.

To treat the liver shunt, Jaffa had to have a major operation. He went on to recover with one of Battersea’s foster carers while he convalesced from the surgery.

Due to his ongoing medical conditions, Battersea searched for potential owners who would be able to support him with his needs.

Jaffa soon found his forever home with Lyn and Andy, volunteers with the Isle Of Wight Ambulance Service Care Dog Team, who were happy to manage his additional needs. However, they also believed in his potential to become a working care dog.

After receiving training and being assessed, Jaffa now works alongside his owners as a Care Dog for the Ambulance Service. He provides the staff with ‘comfort, affection and a moment of calm’ during high pressure days.

Lyn, Jaffa’s owner, said: “Jaffa’s confident and affectionate nature made him a natural fit for the role, and after completing his training, he now joins our other Battersea rescue dog, Tilly, and a roster of other dogs, on regular shifts, offering much needed emotional support to frontline workers.”

Ali Taylor, who was Jaffa’s foster carer before he met Andy and Lyn, is also the Head of Animal Behaviour at Battersea. She said: “Jaffa was a tiny puppy needing intensive veterinary care when he arrived at Battersea, but he never stopped showing us his affectionate, joyful nature. To see him now supporting Ambulance Service staff, bringing comfort to people when they need it most, makes me so proud.

“He’s a wonderful example of what rescue dogs can achieve when given a second chance.”

Image © Battersea



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