Dogs are everyday heroes in many ways. Think of guide dogs for the blind, rescue dogs, police dogs that protect us from drug trafficking and explosives.
There are many examples of heroic deeds performed by dogs who are contemptuous of danger and capable of extraordinary things. Sometimes dogs are heroes just to be by our side, to be loyal friends, who don’t judge and can always be counted on, even in difficult times.
These are 3 examples of brave dogs that put their lives at risk to save their human friends.
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Balto was a Siberian Husky who lived in Alaska between 1919 and 1933. He was a sled dog, and in 1925 he became famous for the so-called “The Serum Run.” On 19 January 1925, a violent diphtheria epidemic broke out in Nome (Alaska) without the antitoxin needed to treat all new cases.
The town had been quarantined, and at least one million units of antitoxin were urgently needed. The nearest escort was in Anchorage, which was more than seven hundred miles away and was not directly linked to Nome. A railway only reached Nenana, almost a thousand miles from the town. Furthermore, the bad weather did not allow the aircraft to take off, and the icebergs did not allow ships to dock.
It was therefore decided to organize a relay with sled dogs that were usually used to transport mail. The participants in the relay were dozens.
One of the mushers (drivers of sled dogs) was the Norwegian Leonhard Seppala, Alaska’s most skilled driver. He, with his dog Togo, the fastest in the area, made 91 miles alone. This was the longest stretch.
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However, the last of 53 miles was covered by Gunnar Kaasen with Leonhard Seppala’s other dog, Balto, whom the owner considered useful only for carrying mail for short distances.
The antitoxin had thus traveled 674 miles in about 127 and a half hours, a path that the normal couriers did in 25 days, with an average temperature of 40 degrees below zero. Of all these dogs involved in the race, Balto became the most famous, arriving at Nome on 2 February 1925.
In 1927 a statue was dedicated to Balto in Central Park (New York City). Still, the thought – as the inscription states – goes to all those dogs that carried the antitoxin necessary to save on the rough ice, through storms and dangerous waters. The town of Nome.
The Siberian Husky was born to run. Beautiful and quite elegant, it is an athletic work dog that needs mental and physical stimulation. He loves running, towing sleds, or trekking.
Since he loves people, between one activity and another, he is an affectionate, sweet, and lively companion who loves to be part of the family. This active and intelligent race is in extreme need of motion and company.
The Siberian Husky is resolute, with a strong hunting instinct. Developed by the Chukchi people in Siberia as a sled dog, the breed was introduced in the United States around 1900. In recent years it has become increasingly popular and widespread.
As long as he is appropriately engaged, his friendly nature makes him a good dog for families. Although puppies (up to two years) can be too abrupt for small children.
Huskies are not city dogs: they need space. They should have a large garden for running and solid fences, as they can jump, gnaw or dig. The strong hunting instinct makes them unloved in areas where they can meet and scare the livestock.
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Of the 32 dogs in service for the British police, Finn was the one at the top of the list for the most significant number of arrests. Still, he almost died after being stabbed by a criminal.
The injury occurred in 2016 when Finn was chasing a runaway thief along with his host, Dave Wardell.
When the suspect tried to climb a fence, Finn bit him in the leg and pulled him to the ground, but the man suddenly turned on his back and stabbed the dog with a 25 cm blade knife.
The man then launched against Dave, but Finn, although seriously injured, tried to defend his human partner. He pulled the man as hard as he could by the leg, shaking her violently and refusing to let him go, and it was wounded again, this time in the head.
When the policeman finally managed to handcuff the man, Finn left his grip, and only then Dave realized that the dog was lying in a pool of blood.
Fortunately, the nearest veterinary emergency department was only a couple of miles away.
As news of Finn’s wounds spread, messages of support from all over the world arrived. Finn continued to make remarkable progress and returned home a couple of days later. A little over a month later, Finn was back on duty.
But his story has had other consequences.
The thief, a 16-year-old boy, was convicted of injuring the policeman as well as of the theft. While the wounding of the dog was considered only as criminal damage, like damage to a thing.
Here a new law is presented to parliament, nicknamed Finn’s Law. This provides that those who injure animals during police operations cannot use self-defense as a policy in court. The law will be combined with future government plans to carry the five-year maximum sentence for crimes of animal cruelty.
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Among the most beloved dogs in the world, the virtues of the German Shepherd are many. Intelligent and adaptable, it is an ideal workmate, provides assistance, works with the Police and the Army, and is a watchful watchdog. If well trained, he is a good dog for families, loyal, obedient, and protective.
German Shepherds are robust animals that need a lot of motion. So they are generally not suitable for the elderly or infirm who might have some problems getting them to exercise and control them.
They are, by their own history, working dogs, so they need a home environment that allows them to move freely and have activities and tasks to perform. Ideal dogs for the campaign; in the city, they would really need a garden of reasonable size or access to a park for long walks.
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Khan is not a working dog like Finn or Balto, but he did not hesitate to defend his little friend. Khan is a Doberman who avoided certain death for little Charlotte, while the two found themselves playing in the yard.
We are in Australia, in November 2007, when in the garden nothing less than a Royal Brown Snake appears, one of the most poisonous reptiles in the world.
Charlotte, seventeen months old, was playing in the garden of her home in Atherton. Then, Khan grabbed her with the teeth and threw her away from the snake that crawled towards her.
The heroic big dog paid for his very dear gesture because the snake bit him. Khan was immediately taken to a veterinary clinic where he was injected with the antidote against deadly poison. He recovered and has already returned home to his owner.
Charlotte’s mom attended the scene and didn’t immediately understand what was happening. Khan approached her and touched her with his muzzle, then he became more violent, he pushed hard and barked as if he was calling her, but the child didn’t listen to him. At that point, he grabbed her by the dress and literally threw her away.
While her mother was running towards her, worried about the dog’s behavior, she saw the snake biting him on a paw, and it went away quickly.
Khan yelped loudly and rushed home, then fainted. The family loaded him in the car and ran to the veterinary clinic, where he was rescued.
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The Dobermann is a dog that binds so much to the family. He establishes a very close relationship with his master, so he would also give his life if necessary. He is very affectionate and patient even with children, with whom he is very protective and from which, at the time of the game, he gets everything done. He needs a master who makes him socialize from an early age, who is determined and confident, so that the dog, with his exuberance, does not take over.
Dobermann is a dog that, in the past, was used by the army as an order carrier and is now used as a rescue and research dog.
He is a dog with a majestic, proud, and elegant appearance, which may seem almost austere. Still, if he gets a little ball under his eyes, the game frenzy starts, and he doesn’t stop it anymore.
As for bravery, dogs trained to work, know how to recognize dangers, and do not flinch when they have to protect their human friends.
However, even the dogs we have at home can demonstrate great qualities and courage in the most unpredictable situations. There are families saved from fires, from the intrusion of thieves, from floods, even from gas leaks. Thanks to the intelligence and courage of their beloved dog.
All cases of brave dogs are due to the protective instinct of the dog, combined with proper training and a strong relationship with the owner. The bond is built day by day, with love.
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