Dog Heroics: Five Stories of Dogs Saving Their Owners

Today I am happy to have this wonderful guest post by Paul Glovers about special canines saving the lives of their guardians. Enjoy. And thank you, Paul.

Paul lives with his wife and Standard Schnauzer in Washington state and is a freelance writer for Veterinary Assistant Schools, a guide to Vet Assistant careers and education.

Stories of dogs saving the lives of their owners are always touching and very inspiring. They are indeed a man's best friend because of their unconditional love and loyalty to their masters and even to complete strangers. Here are 5 stories based on true accounts of dogs saving their owners from dangerous situations:

1. Hero Dog Shot after Defending Home from Intruders

Rumble, an American Straffordshire terrier is expected to survive and be on the road to full recovery after being beaten and shot by intruders while trying to defend the owner's home. This dog, now considered as a hometown hero chased the burglars that are trying to break into the family's home. He suffered from gunshot wound and severely broken leg that needed intensive operation. Dr. Michael King from the Canada West Veterinary Specialists offered to perform the surgery for free.

Full story here: http://www.news1130.com/news/local/article/337393--hero-dog-shot-while-trying-to-defend-home-expected-to-live

2. Rescue Dog Saves Family from House Fire

Timothy Argento was at work when his home in Levittown went on fire with his wife, daughters and their friend sleeping inside. Good thing Lily, their recently adopted dog woke up everyone inside the house even before the smoke detectors went off. Everyone made it out safe and suffered no injuries and Lily made sure that everyone was out of the burning home before she got out. Lily was adopted from the North Shore Animal League. Argento states that all the material things that were burned down by the fire can be replaced but what is important is that everyone is alive and well, all thanks to Lily.

Full story here: http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2012/02/24/dog-saves-family-from-house-fire-in-levittown/

3. Adopted Dog Returns the Favor and Saves His Owner's Life

Gerald Gray suffers from diabetes and a lung disease. Had it not been for Parker, a dog the couple adopted, Gerald would have been in a different situation right now. On one morning at around 3 o'clock in the morning, Parker a Jack Russell Terrier was trying to get the attention of Cynthia Parker by constantly barking and digging. She went ahead and looked around and found out that her husband's oxygen level was low. They never put much thought on Parker's act until it happened again, this time at the hospital where Parker won't leave his owner's side. It turns out that Gerald's oxygen went down to a dangerous level. The couple considers Parker as a life saver.

Full story here: http://www.wbtv.com/story/17116241/rescued-dog-is-saving-lives

4. Perth Dog Saves Owner's Home from Fire

When fire broke out in the kitchen area of his owner's home, this Perth dog immediately went to a heroic mode. Dyson, an eight month old Labrador barked continuously in order to get the attention of the neighbors until someone noticed the fire and called the firefighters. The damage was estimated to be around $50,000 and the kitchen area was completely burned. The damage could have been worse if Dyson was not quick to seek help.

Full story here: http://www.skynews.com.au/offbeat/article.aspx?id=722234&vId=

5. Trixie the Dog Nominated for the 5th Annual Dogs of Valor Awards

One evening of October last year, 78 year-old Ida Moose was at her backyard when she unknowingly suffered from stroke and heart attack. She woke up lying in the mud and found her terrier dog Trixie standing right beside her. Trixie started to bark in an attempt to get help and attention but was unsuccessful at first. This faithful pet stayed beside Ida for twenty hours and never left throughout the ordeal. Trixie provided warmth to her owner during the long rainy night until help finally arrives. It would have been impossible for Ida to survive had it not been for Trixie. Her life saving efforts was recognized and Trixie is nominated for the 5th Annual Dogs of Valor Awards given by the Humane Society of the United States.

Full story here: http://www.todaysthv.com/news/story.aspx?storyid=200054
 

Posted By Dawn Kairns, Author of MAGGIE: the dog who changed my life

Sound Therapy and Other Stress Busters for Anxious Pets

Do you have a dog that is fearful of thunderstorms? Fourth of July fireworks? Or a dog with separation anxiety? It has now been shown that calm music, such as classical music can have a calming effect on dogs.

I had a first hand experience yesterday with our foster dog, Lucky. He was exhibiting some separation anxiety behaviors when left alone in his crate when I left the house. Yesterday before I left, I set him up with Pandora playing through my computer, and a peanut butter kong. He rested his head on his paws as the music played (it was actually easy listening country), and lifted his head quickly when the music stopped. I was able to leave Lucky alone for nearly 3 hours in his crate, and he was calm when I returned home, the music still playing! Not only was I proud of him, but I sensed he was happy and proud of himself!

You can learn more about sound therapy in the book Through a Dog's Ear, and read how more animals are being adopted in shelters as a result of this wonderful discovery here: http://throughadogsear.com/

The following video segment with Dr. Marty Becker from Good Morning America discusses the powerful calming effect of music on dogs, as well as other products such as anxiety wraps and fermone sprays.

Lucky and Maddie

To learn more about Lucky or to adopt him visit Rocky Mountain Lab Rescue and fill out an application. He is 6 1/2 years old, house-trained, responds to many commands, and is affectionate and sweet. He will lie at your feet, cuddle and be thrilled to finally have his forever home where he is loved and wanted for life.

Posted By Dawn Kairns, Author of MAGGIE: the dog who changed my life

I Want a Dog ... A New Elderly Widow's Plea

It has not yet been a month since my 84 year old neighbor lost her husband of sixty-some years. I just returned from a trip, and called her as soon as I learned of his death. She has always been a wise, spiritual woman in my eyes, one I always learned valuable lessons from whenever our paths crossed. Yesterday on the phone with her was no different. Although grieving, and certainly experiencing the lethargy and paralysis that often comes with loss, her honesty was indeed that breath of fresh air, her positive attitude inspiring.  She shared openly with me (when I asked) her beliefs of what comes next after death, and how that sustained her in her grief and kept her positive. I was mesmerized by her words: that "we are all here on a soul journey," and that when we die, "time is nonexistent, and we are shown a review of our life," and allowed to experience our unlearned lessons from life, sometimes through the eyes and experience of those we have hurt. And "we have spiritual Guides to help us in this journey," she shares.We also "learn more about creation; astronomy and life elsewhere in other galaxies and universes," for example.

"We are so earth-bound," she stated. "There's so much more to learn about -- it's not just all about Earth. And finally, when we are ready, "we can choose to reincarnate to have a chance to learn those lessons on earth once again." How many 84 year old's do you know who are this non-conventional and open in their thinkiing?

Of course, she misses her husband's presence in their home greatly. "I'm just not motivated to do anything." But what is intuitively calling to her? To her heart? "I want a dog," she tells me. "I want that presence in my home with me. Not a small dog, a big dog. Maybe 5 or 6 years old. It must be well enough trained, and calm. We will recognize and know each other -- this is very important to me. I have applied with some rescue groups but have not heard back, and am afraid they overlook me because of my age and fear what might happen to the dog when I die. But my daughter will take the dog when I die."

Wow. If any of you know a dog that can fit this bill, please reply on my blog. Calling all large dog rescue groups, "failed" Guide Dogs for the Blind, any service dog that doesn't quite cut the mustard, please contact me. Let's find a dog for this special woman so she can have that phenomenal canine connection in her life before she, too passes from this world.

Posted By Dawn Kairns, Author of MAGGIE: the dog who changed my life

Arizona Votes to Phase Out Dog Racing

At Tucson Greyhound Park, "greyhounds are kept confined in small cages which are barely large enough for them to stand up or turn around," according to Christine A. Dorchak, Esq., President, GREY2K USA.

And greyhounds face the risk of serious injury when racing. GREY2K USA has been instrumental in getting petitions signed in an attempt to get Skechers shoes to pull their Greyhound racing commercial from the Superbowl last Sunday, and in lobbying for gryehound protection.

Dorchak says state records show nearly 1000 greyhound injuries between January 2007 and November 2009 at Arizona racetrack. Common injuries include broken legs and other fractures, dislocations, muscle tears, broken backs, heat stroke,cracked skulls and even paralysis according to. Formed in March of 2001, GREY2K USA is a national non-profit organization dedicated to passing stronger greyhound protection laws and ending the cruelty of dog racing.

Yesterday, the Arizona Committee on Natural Resources and Transportation voted unanimously in favor of phasing out dog racing in Arizona!

Thank you, GREY2USA and thank you Arizona -- this is a great victory for greyhounds and for animal rights.
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Posted By Dawn Kairns, Author of MAGGIE: the dog who changed my life

Owning a Pet is a Privilege and More Says American Veterinary Medical Association

Thanks to Nancy Kay, DVM, Author of Speaking for Spot and her newsletter, I just became aware that the Executive Board of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) recently approved the following guidelines for responsible pet ownership, approved this past November, 2011. I love hearing words like "privilege" and "commitment for life" associated with pet ownership/guardianship!

Does this qualify for proper exercise?

Guidelines for Responsible Pet Ownership

Owning a pet is a privilege and should result in a mutually beneficial relationship. However, the benefits of pet ownership come with obligations. Responsible pet ownership includes:

•  Committing to the relationship for the life of the pet(s). 
• Avoiding impulsive decisions about obtaining pet(s), and carefully selecting pet(s) suited to your home and lifestyle.
•  Recognizing that ownership of pet(s) requires an investment of time and money.
•  Keeping only the type and number of pets for which an appropriate and safe environment can be provided, including appropriate food, water, shelter, health care and companionship.
• Ensuring pets are properly identified (i.e., tags, microchips, or tattoos) and that registration information in associated databases is kept up-to-date
• Adherence to local ordinances, including licensing and leash requirements.
• Controlling pet(s)' reproduction through managed breeding, containment, or spay/neuter thereby helping to address animal control and overpopulation problems.
• Establishing and maintaining a veterinarian-client-patient relationship.
• Providing preventive (e.g., vaccinations, parasite control) and therapeutic health care for the life of pet(s) in consultation with, and as recommended by, its veterinarian.
• Socialization and appropriate training for pet(s), which facilitates their well-being and the well-being of other animals and people.
• Preventing pet(s) from negatively impacting other people, animals and the environment, including proper waste disposal, noise control, and not allowing pet(s) to stray or become feral.
• Providing exercise and mental stimulation appropriate to the pet(s)' age, breed, and health status.
• Advance preparation to ensure the pet(s)' well-being in the case of an emergency or disaster, including assembling an evacuation kit.
• Making alternative arrangements if caring for the pet is no longer possible.
• Recognizing declines in the pet(s)' quality of life and making decisions in consultation with a veterinarian regarding appropriate end-of-life care (e.g., palliative care, hospice, euthanasia).

Would that all pet guardians provide mental stimulation, socialization, training, exercise, proper health care, spay and neuter and more for their beloved treasures, the animals they are entrusted with... Thanks, AVMA!

Posted By Dawn Kairns, Author of MAGGIE: the dog who changed my life

Can You Help 11 Year Old Sweetheart of a Cat Find Her Forever Home?

ZOE

"Zoe is a beautiful cream & blue dilute tortoiseshell with striking features and howl-like eyes. She`s reserved, independent and shy at first but will warm up to pets and affection - she just needs time to adjust to her new surroundings. Because she might grumble when she no longer wishes to be petted, we recommend a home without young children. Zoe wants nothing more than to find her new, loving guardian. Can that person be you?"

She is available at the Humane Society of Boulder Valley (HSBV). Learn more here: http://www.boulderhumane.org/animals/adoption/14280635  She has been with HSBV since October.

About Zoe

Domestic Longhair/Purebred

Age: 11 years 3 month

Gender: Female

Price: $10.00

Color: Blue/Cream

Weight (lbs): 12.00

Here Since: 2011-10-13 13:12:00

ID: 14280635

Posted By Dawn Kairns, Author of MAGGIE: the dog who changed my life

Black Labrador, Maddie in Slow Motion Play (VDO)

Posted By Dawn Kairns, Author of MAGGIE: the dog who changed my life

You may remember Maddie, our adopted 10 month old black lab/lab mix who you may have met at the end of my book, MAGGIE the dog who changed my life. Maddie is now 6 1/2 years old and continues to be vibrant, happy, and healthy. She lights up our lives. This is a slow motion video of her that my husband captured of her yesterday at the dog park playing. I place it here to share with you the joy and the grace of her movement. I love the slow motion that captures every slight move!