HLM – Chapter 178 The Deacon Medal

The Deacon Medal is the highest honor awarded specifically to animals. It was established during World War II and is often referred to as the Victoria Cross for animals.

The idea for such a medal originated during World War I, when military dogs frequently had to deliver messages through dangerous trenches. However, it wasn’t until World War II that the heroic deeds of these animals received official recognition.

In 1943, the United Kingdom established the Deacon Medal to commend the bravery and dedication of “animal heroes” who served during wartime.

After the end of WWII, however, the Commonwealth nations were rarely involved in any significant wars. Although Britain fought a naval battle against Argentina, naval warfare had nothing to do with animals—thus, no Deacon Medals were awarded during that conflict.

Gradually, the medal began transitioning from military use to civilian recognition. It came to be awarded to animals that made significant contributions in peacetime civilian life as well.

To date, only one medal has been awarded for non-military action—a Labrador who rescued two children and a blind elderly person during the 2006 Birmingham fire.

Since Birmingham is part of the UK proper, the current award to Zhuang Ding (the dog) marks the first time the medal has been awarded in peacetime to an animal from a Commonwealth country outside the British Isles, in recognition of its extraordinary contributions.

That’s why Wang Bo had a hard time believing Charlie at first—it just seemed too unbelievable.

Even though New Zealand promotes human rights and equality, discrimination still exists. Diligent and humble Chinese people are often seen as easy targets and face various forms of bias. So an honor of this magnitude? Wang Bo wouldn’t have even dared to dream about it.

But it was true. After a joint discussion between the British Royal Family and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA), and after confirming Zhuang Ding’s contributions with the New Zealand Earthquake Disaster Relief Committee, they officially decided to award this precious medal.

Zhuang Ding’s performance during the earthquake was nothing short of legendary. He was hailed as the number one search and rescue dog in the world. He guided volunteer rescue teams to trapped victims, helping to save over 120 people—an achievement nothing short of phenomenal!

Keep in mind that the initial rescue efforts in Wanderer Town were carried out by ordinary civilians. They lacked professional equipment and life detectors; all they could do was dig blindly. Whether they could save anyone? That depended entirely on divine luck.

But then Zhuang Ding appeared. He proved even more accurate than life detectors, pinpointing buried survivors with uncanny precision.

It was only because Sunset Town was remote and disconnected from the world that Wang Bo didn’t realize how big Zhuang Ding’s reputation had grown. In the outside world, he had become a media superstar, with nicknames like “The Rescue Compass,” “The Lighthouse in the Rubble,” and “God’s Ear.”

The Royal Family’s decision to award Zhuang Ding the medal once again ignited a media frenzy.

Initially, after nearly a month of calm, Zhuang Ding’s story had started to fade from public memory. But once the award was confirmed, New Zealand’s media erupted again.

Starting from the end of June, waves of interview crews started arriving at the little town. At first, Wang Bo was enthusiastic and took Zhuang Ding along, thinking of it as free publicity for the town.

But as the number of reporters kept growing, both Wang Bo and Zhuang Ding became overwhelmed. Eventually, they hid out on the ranch, training the young princes (the Rottweilers) to herd sheep.

Rottweilers are indeed very intelligent. With Wang Bo’s dedicated training, the pups had already learned how to drive cattle and sheep. Of course, they also learned to chase rabbits.

In early July, a luxurious convoy arrived in Omarama, led by a chestnut-colored Bentley Arnage—the official vehicle of the British Royal Family.

Wang Bo had received notice a week in advance that he was to attend the award ceremony for Zhuang Ding in Auckland on the first Saturday of July.

Technically, the ceremony should have been held in the Sunset Town, but due to security and venue concerns, it was moved to the larger city.

So, on Friday, Wang Bo set off with Zhuang Ding, the Queen, the princes, and a grand entourage. Even Little Wang wanted to come, but he was still limping and Wang Bo didn’t dare let him appear in public, so he had to be left behind at the castle.

No surprise—when the car drove off, Little Wang, hiding behind the castle doors, once again got teary-eyed.

The award ceremony was held at the Auckland Town Hall, which had once been damaged by the earthquake but had since been restored. Holding the ceremony here carried a symbolic significance.

Although New Zealand declared independence long ago, it is still legally a British realm and accepts the authority of the British monarch. A royal visit is equivalent to a company being inspected by its boss.

However, the social culture here is different. Equality is not just a slogan. So while the Royal Family’s arrival caused a stir, it didn’t mean the entire city lined up to cheer.

In fact, more journalists than civilians lined the streets when the royal motorcade arrived.

Yet, outside the town hall, a large crowd had gathered—not for the royal family, but for Zhuang Ding. He had amassed a huge fanbase.

Wang Bo already knew that the Royal Family had sent Princess Eugenie, granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II and eighth in line to the throne, to present the award.

He had never attended such an event before, so he just made sure he looked neat and presentable. As for Zhuang Ding, he just brushed his fur—no fancy grooming, and brought him straight to the venue.

Upon seeing the scruffy-looking, bare-faced Zhuang Ding, Mayor Huta Sake of Auckland was stunned. He asked in shock, “You didn’t dress up the little guy at all?”

Wang Bo smiled and replied, “Of course I did! I brushed his fur especially today. Look how smooth it is!”

At that moment, Zhuang Ding sat down and scratched his shoulder with his hind leg, sending tufts of fur flying…

Mayor Huta was on the verge of losing it. He insisted Wang Bo immediately find a way to dress up Zhuang Ding, saying he couldn’t appear before the princess or in public like this.

Even Wang Bo thought it was a bit over the top. Come on, was it really that serious? These people clearly hadn’t seen Zhuang Ding rolling in the mud before. After all, he was a Mastiff, not a pampered pet!

Truthfully, Wang Bo had wanted to groom Zhuang Ding more, but he lacked the skill. Now, with the moment upon him, he had no choice but to find someone to help.

Who better than a woman? But in Auckland, he didn’t know many. The most stylish and skilled one he could think of was Eva, so he quickly called her to come to the rescue.

Eva arrived in no time—and just like Wang Bo, she came dressed to impress:

She wore a smartly tailored coat with a fuzzy winter collar, layered over an orange printed dress, and carried a red crossbody bag. Her bright, cheerful outfit brought a vibrant energy to the entire scene.