As if you needed a reason to find dogs any more lovable than they already are! Over the course of history, dogs have done some really incredible things. And I’m not just referring to therapy dogs or military dogs; all kinds of dogs, big and small, have had an impact on this world. Below are seven examples that may be hard to believe; but they happened! September 12th is the National Day of Encouragement – let these stories encourage you to believe and never underestimate the power of your pup!
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A photo yanked at the heart-strings of millions of Americans in August 2011, when a grieving labrador retriever graced the pages of newspapers across the country. At the funeral of Navy SEAL Jon Tumilson, attendees could see his faithful companion Hawkeye lying by the casket. In front of 1,500 mourners at the beginning of the service, Hawkeye went up to the front of the room and laid down next to his master — showing his loyalty until the end.
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One night, an adopted dog named Duke woke up his owners by shaking uncontrollably on their bed, trying to get their attention. Their nine-week-old infant Hazel wasn’t breathing in the other room, and without his intervention they never would have noticed. Hazel survived thanks to Duke’s quick thinking!
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An Italian street dog garnered public attention for his demonstration of unwavering devotion and loyalty for his deceased master. On December 30, 1943, during WWII, Borgo San Lorenzo was subjected to a violent air raid. That same evening, Fido, as usual, went to the bus-stop awaiting his master’s arrival from work. On not spotting the master get off the bus, Fido went back home disheartened. He visited the bus-stop every day for 14 years hoping to see his beloved Borgo. If that’s not devotion, I don’t know what is!
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Figo, a Golden Retriever service dog, went above and beyond for his blind owner. He jumped in front of a bus, taking the majority of the impact, to save his owner! Despite an injured paw, he hobbled over to his owner, who was also injured, and stayed with her until help arrived. Both are happily healed now, thanks to Figo’s heroic and quick thinking!
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Treo is a black labrador and a decorated war hero. He was a member of the 104 Military Working Dog Support Unit and served in Afghanistan. There, the trained sniffer twice found hidden bombs and was awarded the Dickin Medal, the highest military honor for an animal in Britain, in 2010. Treo’s actions saved the lives of many soldiers.
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Wendy Rankin of Brackenridge, Pennsylvania has a dog named Hero. After Hero was injured in a traffic accident, Rankin had to make a choice of whether or not to put her down. The family decided to do what they could to save their dog, which gave Hero an opportunity to live up to her name a few months later. In February, Hero started barking at 3AM, which was very unusual for her. The family woke to find their home on fire! Everyone escaped, but the home was destroyed. The Rankin family credits their survival to Hero.
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Dogs are not only loyal to humans but other species as well! Rex, a 10-year-old mixed breed, was out for a walk with his owner when the two passed a kangaroo who had been hit by a car. Thanks to Rex and his keen nose, however, the baby joey hidden inside the mother’s pouch was saved! His owner said Rex started pointing before going over and tenderly picking up the joey.