Dog Stories
Dogs are unique and wonderful creatures. They are unmatched in loyalty, bravery and devotion. No task in the aid of humanity is too much to ask of them. Here are just a few examples of some inspiring canine heroes.
Hachiko, an Akita who became a symbol of loyalty in Japan, is now honored by a statue in Tokyo. Hachikō is famous for his loyalty to his long dead master Hidesaburō Ueno, by returning to the train station and waiting for his return, every day for the next nine years during the time the train was scheduled to arrive.
Approximately 350 search and rescue dogs worked at the World Trade Center site following the September 11, 2001 attacks. Rescuers relied on the dogs’ sense of smell and agility in tight spaces to seek survivors and recover the remains of victims.
Appollo was a search and rescue dog who worked at World Trade Center site following the September 11, 2001 attacks.
Appollo and his handler, Peter Davis, were called in to assist with the rescue operations after the September 11 terror attacks. They arrived at the World Trade Center site fifteen minutes after the attack, making Appollo the first search and rescue dog to arrive at the site after the collapse of the World Trade Center. At one point, Appollo was almost killed by flames and falling debris. However, he survived, having been drenched after falling into a pool of water just before this incident. Appollo started working again as soon as Davis had brushed the debris off him.
Appollo received the Dickin Medal, the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross, on behalf of all the search and rescue dogs who participated in the rescue operations at the World Trade Center site and the Pentagon. He received the award along with guide dogs Roselle and Salty, who rescued their owners from the World Trade Center. The citation for the award was as follows:
“For tireless courage in the service of humanity during the search and rescue operations in New York and Washington on and after 11 September 2001. Faithful to words of command and undaunted by the task, the dogs’ work and unstinting devotion to duty stand as a testament to those lost or injured.”
Endal (pictured above) was a Service dog voted “Dog of the Millennium”, famous for extraordinary ability to help his human partner, a disabled veteran, with many aspects of his life, for over a decade, and his role in the promotion of service dog programs.
Endal’s owner was Allen Parton. Parton suffered serious head injuries from the Gulf War, including 50% memory loss, physical disability (he was a wheelchair user), and speech and word difficulties. For a considerable time after partnering with Endal, he was unable to speak and was limited to basic sign language.
Endal was able to respond to over one hundred instructions as well as a very large number (“hundreds”) of signed commands. He could retrieve items from supermarket shelves, operate buttons and switches, and load and empty a washing machine. He was able to put a card into a cash machine, retrieve the card when the process was complete, and return the card to a wallet.
“When I couldn’t talk, he learned sign language – if I touched my head I wanted my hat, if I touched my face it was for the razor. He learned hundreds of commands in signing. Eventually one day, in this very silent world we lived in, I grunted. That was like an electric shock going through him, he was so excited. They said I’d never speak again, but Endal just dragged the speech out of me.”
Well done one and all!
Recommend0 recommendationsPublished in Senior Chatters
Laurie, their are so many wonderful stories of dogs bravery and helpfullness, my sister in law had a hearing golden retriever, being profoundly deaf, would take her to the front door if the doorbell went , and various other duties, she was 18 yrs old when she passed away, but she was the most brilliant dog and wonderful companion .xxx
Lani she sounds like a very special dog. And lived to a good old age too!
When my son was a little boy I read him the story of Bed Gelert… he was inconsolable … when he calmed down he said ” Oh Mummy how COULD you tell me that story !!!”
Yes so true what they say.Dogs are mans best friends.
They sure are Mac, none better.
I enjoyed your blog Laurie! I learned so many things I didn’t know. I am a dog lover too, and these stories are great. Bravo to Hachiko, Appollo, Endal and all the others!
Thanks KayBee, I’m so glad you enjoyed it.
very good post Laurie.
Thank you jcb.
Just loved this Laurie. Thank you so much. I had not heard the story on Endal. I too am very much a dog lover.
So glad you enjoyed it Debbie. Dogs rule!
Just a newbie, my first post and as my avatar shows, an Akita owner. I know that Akitas are declared a national treasure in Japan but I’m also told that white Akitas have a special significance. I can’t find the reason for this although my guess is perhaps some connection with Zen or the Shinto faith. Can anybody point me in the right direction? For another faithful Akita story look up Chuken-Shiro and his master, Sadaroku.
Welcome, Dialectic; thanks for your comment. While I couldn’t find anything specific about the white Akita, I did learn that in the Shinto religion, the color white symbolizes purity; so maybe there is some connection there. As you suggested, I also read the story of Shiro and found it most interesting.
Many thanks Laurie. Your note about Shinto and white being a symbol of purity also chimes with the ‘health gifts’ sent by Japanese people in place of the ‘get well’ cards sent in the West. Instead of a card the patient gets a small model of an Akita as a symbol of health. Although she is now too old, my dog has been a therapy dog for some years. Following a suggestion made by an American owner for people having poor quality rest, she sleeps alongside my bed where her peaceful breathing helps me sleep. I must add that her snoring also wakes me up sometimes but we can’t have everything in life!
You’re most welcome Dialectic. I found your information about the health gifts fascinating. Your dog sounds wonderful!
It is no secret that I am a dog lover, all dogs everywhere, but of course especially my own past and present children and friends. I say it is no coincidence ‘dog’ backward is ‘god.’ To me, their true kindness, patience, and compassion is as God would have us be in a perfect world.
Thank you Heart; I could not agree more!
Very good Laurie