Dogs saving humans? What's new in that!
Dogs are incredibly loyal to their owners, sometimes even putting their lives on the line for them. Throughout mankind's journey, there have been stories of dogs showing remarkable devotion and courage in tough situations. Here are six of the most loyal dogs, and their tales are sure to tug at your heart. These stories will make you appreciate your own furry friend even more and might inspire you to consider getting a dog if you don't have one already!
A Siberian Husky living in 1920s Alaska, Balto played a crucial role as the lead dog in a sled team. Their mission? Deliver life-saving serum to Nome during a severe diphtheria outbreak, a daunting 674-mile journey from Anchorage! Facing harsh weather and treacherous terrain, Balto and his team, under the guidance of musher Gunnar Kaasen, tackled the final 53 miles through a dark, blizzard-ridden night, achieving a record-setting arrival in Nome. Balto's bravery turned him into a national hero, earning him a medal, and today, a statue in Central Park, New York, immortalises his courageous contribution.
The family's dog, Alex, played a crucial role in saving the life of a sleeping couple's son. Persistently nudging them while they slept, Alex guided them to their 17-year-old son Gabriel's room. Upon entering, they discovered that Gabriel was experiencing a heart attack. Swiftly, he was rushed to the hospital for urgent medical attention. It was Alex's persistent actions that prevented the situation from escalating further!
The exceptional Lab, Samantha, made history with her prompt actions and boundless affection. In January 2021, her 84-year-old blind owner fell into a brook near a wooded area in Limington, Maine. A woman, alerted by screams from her backyard, immediately called the police. Responding swiftly, York County police officers followed Samantha's persistent yapping to the brook. Despite the rescued man battling hypothermia with a significantly dropped body temperature, Samantha's fierce determination and love played a crucial role in ensuring his safe rescue.
On September 11, 2001, Michael Hingson found himself on the 78th floor of the North Tower of the World Trade Center. His trusted companion on that fateful day was Roselle, a 4-year-old Labrador Retriever serving as his guide dog.
Amidst the chaos of the plane impacts, Roselle courageously led Michael down the staggering 1,463 steps of the building. The resilient Labrador guided her blind owner out of the tower just moments before its collapse. Following her heroic feat, Roselle continued to stand by Michael for many years, demonstrating enduring devotion and selfless acts of love until her passing in 2011, marking 14 years of extraordinary companionship.
A black Newfoundland from New Jersey, Villa was just a half-grown puppy when a dangerous storm struck! From her dog-run, she began barking persistently. After a few minutes, she leapt over a 5-foot fence and raced across her neighbour's yard. In the midst of zero visibility and 60-mile-per-hour winds, Andrea Anderson, an 11-year-old neighbour, was caught in the storm. The wind blew her across the yard, jamming her into a drift where she couldn't free herself. Hearing Andrea's cries for help, Villa located her and circled several times before successfully freeing her from the drift. The heroic Newfoundland then safely led the child back home.
Zanjeer, the Labrador Retriever, became a hero in the canine world, leaving an unforgettable legacy within the Mumbai Police Bomb Detection Squad. His remarkable service, especially during and after the 1993 terrorist attacks in Mumbai, saved many lives by skillfully detecting bombs and grenades. Fondly known as "Ginger" due to his coat colour, Zanjeer had an impressive career, uncovering over 240 bombs, 600 detonators, 250 hand grenades, 7,340 pounds of RDX explosive, as well as guns and over 6,000 rounds of ammunition.
Zanjeer was so indispensable to the bomb squad that there were times when they counted solely on him, without any extra gear! His efforts didn't just influence the police force and India; they echoed globally, creating a significant impact.
The stories and incidents where dogs consistently prove their loyalty and save countless lives seem endless! Do we humans truly deserve them? Probably not, but they continue to love us with everything they have, and we can never thank them enough!
