The Story of Wang Wang and Other Hero Dogs
Once in a while when flipping the papers, we will read of heroic dogs in foreign land and their actions. For dog lovers like us, we cannot help but marvel at their deeds and admire them for their bravery or loyalty.
Yesterday, in Singapore, it was a lucky Poodle by the name of Wang Wang that stole the show. Her deed – alerting her owner and his dad of a fire that broke out in their house. Given that his owner a bartender, My Tay was asleep at that time and his father was a stroke victim whose mobility is affected, Wang Wang’s timely barks were a life saver. While some may dismiss Wang Wang’s act as nothing heroic, the fact is, his owner credits her for saving their lives, a feat few dogs can boast of.
And for those still unmoved by this story, here’s a list of other heroic dogs and their actions.
Hachiko
Probably the most well know of all heroic dogs because of a recent movie of the same name starring Richard Gere, the story of Hachiko is nothing short of sensational and touching. His master, a Professor Ueno, who taught at the Agriculture Department of the University of Tokyo, had established a daily routine with Hachiko, an Akita, where the dog will accompany him to the train station each morning as well as await his return each evening. One day, the professor unexpectedly died of stroke while at the university. Hachiko was rehomed, escaped and returned to the old house. When he realized his owner was never coming home, he made his way to the railway station at exactly the same time each day for the next 9 years to wait for his master’s arrival. This was the exact time his owner would return home each day after work while he was still alive.
Hachiko’s story eventually gained national attention and a bronze statue of the dog was erected at the train station to honour him while he was still alive!
Chips
A German Shepherd-Collie-Husky mix donated to the US army by his owner Edward Wrens during world war 2, was sent to the front line and is the only dog to have won a Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star and Purple Heart. Unfortunately his decoration was stripped away later because of a reclassification by the army of dogs as equipment.
His most memorable act happened when together with his handler, they were pinned down by heavy enemy machine gun fire. To save the day, Chips charge straight through enemy fire, reached the enemy bunker and got them surrender. Later that night, he helped capture 10 incoming Italian soldiers.
Brutus
A Golden Retriever, Brutus’ heroic act was that he save a young family member from a poisonous snake that came way too close for comfort. In the process Brutus suffered a near fatal bite. The deed won him a trip to Los Angeles where he received a National Hero Award from the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, LA.
Zoey
Who would have guessed that a Chihuahua can be a hero too? That accolade goes to Zoey, who, at only 10 months old, saved her owner’s a one year old grandson from a rattlesnake. Like Brutus, Zoey too was bitten but also recovered and the snake was killed by the dog’s owner, Monty Long. Till today, Zoey carries a 1 inch scar on the forehead as a result of the snake bite.
Bear
Bear is the most recent recipient of the National Hero Award. It was a shelter dog rescued by a Ms Debbie Zeisler. Since an accident many years ago, Ms Zeisler suffers from bouts of seizure now and then. Despite not having been trained in any way as a service dog, Bear somehow knew how to detect signs of oncoming seizures and would warn his owner. In May of 2011, Ms Zeisler somehow ignored Bear’s warning and effort to prevent her from going outdoors. Immediately after pushing her way past Bear, she had a seizure and collapsed. Worried, the dog ran around the neighbourhood, scratching at neighbours doors to seek attention and help. While his frantic efforts went unnoticed by the neighbours, it did catch the attention of an animal control officer from the county, who Bear then led to the fallen Ms Zeisler, thus saving her life.
It was Ms Zeiler who rescued Bear from the shelters and what a way Bear returned the favour.
While Wang Wang’s act may seem small compared to these other heroic dogs, we are sure in the eyes of My Tay, the dog is a hero. More importantly, we hope that by sharing these stories, more people will come to love and train their dogs and understand why they are beyond a doubt, man’s best friend.
Dog Training Singapore congratulates Mr Tay and family for having such a wonderful dog in Wang Wang.
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