Canine Hero Stories

Everyone has a canine hero. If it is not Rin-Tin-Tin, Lassie, Benji, or another Hollywood canine star, it is a pet of their own, or one they have read about in the newspaper.

A Rottweiler named “Bear” became the canine hero of owner/handler Officer Edward Ernstberger after the dog caught 3 bullets in the line of duty, saving his life. Bear jumped out of a police cruiser to attack a prison escapee who had just shot her owner, preventing him from getting shot again. Both recovered their wounds. Today they enjoy a leisurely life of retirement together, best friends to the end.

Cindy Davis’ canine hero was a tiny stray she took into her heart and named “Spook.” The loyal pup showed its appreciation on June 24, 2002. The incident happened when Davis was stung multiple times by a swarm of angry yellow jacket hornets while working in the garden. Davis, who was seriously allergic to hornet stings, collapsed and hit her head before she could make it back inside the house for her medicine. Spook roused Davis into consciousness by repeatedly licking her face and refusing to leave her side.

On March 17, 2004 firefighters praised an Australian terrier named “Eddie,” who sacrificed his life for that of his mistress. Instead of fleeing the burning building, the valiant dog ran deeper into the house. Barking, scratching, and whining at the closed door to the bedroom where his mistress lay sleeping, Eddie was finally able to rouse her in time. He was officially awarded a hero’s burial for his bravery and loyalty.

What Makes a Canine Hero?

Pets who are heroes don’t always have such dramatic stories. Many canine heroes are every day dogs who simply love their caregivers, and give unconditional love; dogs who prove loyal and true.

A canine hero can be any size or breed of dog. Canine heroes are dogs who have been good companions over the years; dogs that have stayed faithfully by their caregiver’s side, in sickness and in health.

A canine hero is a dog just like your dog…a loveable, furry bundle of joy that adds quality of life to the days of their human caregivers.

Nearly everyone has a canine hero story to tell! Tell us your story.

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Annabella the Dog Saves the Day | TimesRecordNews.com >>>

A chocolate lab in Graham, Texas, became her care giver’s hero this past Memorial Day – making the occasion a truly memorable one for Ken Herrington and his wife, Patina.

The 4-year old lab, Annabelle, knew her caregiver and long-time friend was in serious trouble when Herrington suffered a seizure dangerously close to the water’s edge near the dock behind his house.

“I was just cleaning the kitchen, and Annabelle jumped up on the glass door – which…she doesn’t do that,” said a grateful Mrs. Herrington.

After tense rescue attempts, a flurry of activity, and the help of other heroes of the day, Harrington’s ordeal ended happy. For more information, read the full news item.

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Mount Hood rescue aided by becon, dog | Associated Press >>>

Thanks to Velvet, a black Labrador mix, three Mount Hood climbers are expected to be fine.

Velvet provided warmth as the three climbers huddled under sleeping bags and a tarp. Except for a few minor scraps, Velvet survived her rescue in good shape.  Read the entire story >>>

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Yahoo News | Online vote says Spears worst dog owner >>>

“Britney was the overwhelming choice” for worst celebrity dog owner for 2006, Hilary O’Hagan, editor of The New York Dog and The Hollywood Dog magazines, said in a statement.
No big surpise.

Her partying buddy Paris Hilton came in second for treating her dogs like accessories.

And that, is the extent of Savvy Dog Lover’s celebrity news for the month.

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Dog Credited with saving teen | Associated Press >>>

Here’s a good news story about a pit bull.

“A pit bull who was recently adopted by a family after wondering onto a construction site may have saved a teen girl from a house fire on Friday.

Jerrica Seals, 17, was already safely out of the house by the time firefighters arrived, the News-Press of Fort Meyers reported.” Full story >>>

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Single? Here’s Some Dating Advice From Man’s Best Friend | Yahoo! >>>

What man’s best friend can tell you about his heart.

Is your man a Rottweiler man like Will Smith? A Chihuahua man, zealous and impassioned like actor Mickey Rourke? Or an Irish Setter man, sociable and good-natured. Full article >>>

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Get Fido a pro | San Francisco Chronicle >>>

Hiring a qualified pet sitter can be a challenge — fancy websites and business cards don’t always mean your dog will be in good hands.

Arrange to meet a new sitter in advance, and bring a list of questions, like the following Humane Society guidelines:

> Will the pet sitters provide a written service contract spelling out fees and specific services (such as exercise, grooming, playing)?

> If they provide live-in services, what are the specific times they agree to be with your pet? Is this detailed in the contract?

> Will pet sitters provide written proof of commercial liability insurance (to cover accidents and negligence)? Are they bonded (to protect against theft)?

> What training have the pet sitters received?

> Will they agree to record notes about your pet, such as fears, medical conditions, medications and routines?

> What will happen if an emergency prevents them from fulfilling their duties? Do they have a backup?

> Will the pet sitters provide you with the phone numbers of other clients who have agreed to serve as references?

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