If you read the previous article, you will know that scientists are still debating the motivation for dogs’ feelings for humans, but there is no doubt about the loyalty of these heroic hounds. Read and enjoy the following anecdotes of how some rather normal dogs performed some extraordinary feats.
Rocky
A Boxer from upstate New York, Rocky has a severe fear of water due to being held under water and almost drowned by a mentally disturbed young man when he was a puppy. Luckily, he was adopted into a loving family and became best friends with their daughter, Rita. In the three years with his new family, Rocky never went anywhere near water and would not swim with the family. This soon changed when one day Rocky went for a walk with 11-year-old Rita on a boardwalk over a lake. When a boy on a bicycle accidently crashed into Rita, she was flung into the water, head down and unconscious. Despite his fear, the boxer jumped into the lake after his young mistress and grabbed onto the strap of her dress, which had the effect of turning her body over so that her head came out of the water. Thanks to the dog’s natural swimming instincts, Rocky was able to get Rita to shore, where she regained consciousness. Rita made a full recovery, but the family reports that Rocky still has a fear of water and will avoid it whenever possible.
Max III
This Golden Retriever from a small town in California has climbed the political ladder to become Mayor. The small town has only 3000 people and has no formal government, but they decided years ago to hold an election for mayor with only animals on the ballot. It began as a fundraising idea for a local rescue shelter, and the two previous mayors were also Golden Retrievers from the same blood line as Max. Yes, town officials admit that nepotism and corruption run rampant in these elections (you can vote as many times as you want if you pay for each vote), but nevertheless Max takes his job seriously. He makes guest appearances at town openings, weddings, and school events.
Toby
A Golden Retriever named Toby noticed his human choking on an apple slice and pounding on her chest. Although the dog had no special training, he somehow knew to push her to the ground and jump up and down on her chest. His improvised Heimlich maneuver saved his owner’s life and won him a Dog of the Year award.
Jasmine
Jasmine, a stray greyhound found locked in an abandoned garage, was rescued, and taken to a nearby wildlife sanctuary to be nursed back to health. The sanctuary staff soon realized that Jasmine had an especially kind and nurturing nature, so they kept her on as a type of therapy dog for the scared animals brought into the shelter. Jasmine has been a foster mother to puppies, kittens, foxes, chicks, bunnies and even a deer.
Joe
Joe a little Yorkshire Terrier from New Jersey, took on a Black Bear and won! Joe’s owner had left her front door open one evening and in walked a 100-pound Black Bear. The bear walked into the living room and towards Joe’s food bowl, but Joe barked, growled, and nipped at the bear until the bear turned and left the house. The little Yorkie saved his home, his mum, and most importantly his bowl of kibbles!
Paris
A Boxer from London called Paris does her bit to save the planet. Whenever Paris goes on walks, she picks up any recyclable litter she finds and continues to carry it in her mouth until she sees a bin. She then drops the item next to the recycling bin, so that her owner can throw it in.
Swansea jack
This black Labrador lived nearly a hundred years ago, but his legend lives on. The Black Lab once saved a young boy from drowning in his hometown of Swansea in Wales. He seemed to take a liking for heroic acts, because he then went on to save 26 more people from drowning. He received the Silver Cup for Bravery from the Mayor of London and had a statue built of him.
Hachiko
Speaking of dogs with their own memorial statues, Hachiko is probably one of the most famous examples. Hachiko, an Akita, was born in 1924 in Tokyo, Japan. Every day Hachiko and two other family dogs walked to the Shibuya Station with their owner, Ueno, who unfortunately passed away only 16 months after Hachiko joined the family. During the funeral, Hachiko sat under the coffin and refused to leave. Eventually Hachiko went to live with Ueno’s gardener, but he ended up finding his way to the Shibuya Station, where he waited for 10 years. Each night, when the evening train came in, Hachiko would stand alert and look at each passenger, hoping to find his master. Although he never found Ueno, he did become famous, with people donating food and money for his care at the station. A statue of him was erected in 1934 which drew numerous tourists, and when he died in 1935 it became front-page news in Japan. Buddhist Monks and tourists visited his statue, and school children were taught about the loyalty and patience of Hachiko.
