Congratulations to the four dogs who were inducted into Purina’s Animal Hall of Fame for Heroism in Canada this year! Each of them has their own story, but all of them have done amazing things.
Sako
Photo Credit: Chris Young/The Canadian Press
The first hero is Sako, a 4-year-old King Shepherd that helped his owner’s nephew, Joseph, survive a tragic car accident. The two were on a family trip when the driver of the car they were in lost control suddenly and the car rolled down a steep embankment. Both of them were thrown from the car and Joseph was injured so severely that he was unable to move. Sako kept him warm, brought him firewood, helped drag him to a nearby creek for water, and protected him from wild animals. The two were down there for two days until rescue crews were able to get to them and Joseph credits Sako with saving his life and giving him the will to survive. Sako wasn’t able to attend, but Joseph accepted his award on his behalf.
Badger
Photo Credit: Chris Young/The Canadian Press
Hero number 2 is Badger, an 11-year-old Lab and Rottweiler mix that is responsible for saving the life of his owner, Derik, when he was injured and unable to move on a frozen lake. Derik has a passion for wildlife photography and saw some beautiful eagles flying overhead on a chilly morning. Afraid he would miss them, he and Badger set out quickly, and Derik left his jacket and cell phone behind. He followed them out onto frozen waters, but slipped and ended up breaking his leg. He was unable to get up, as Badger tried nudging him, frantically pacing around him. Soon, Derik had an idea – he grabbed on to Badger’s collar and yelled “Mush, Badger, Mush!” Remembering their skijoring days, Badger carefully, but efficiently, dragged Derik all the way back to their cabin, where he was able to call for help. The rescue workers said Badger saved his life, because if Derik had been out there any longer, he could have died from hypothermia.
Nettle
Photo Credit: Chris Young/The Canadian Press
Nettle is a 2-year-old Yellow Labrador who serves as a hero every day for the two twin girls he watches over at his house. Brooke and Jade were diagnosed with both Type 1 Diabetes and Celiac disease, so their lives are rather complicated. Their parents have worked feverishly to make sure their blood sugar is always in check, but also be wary of their gluten allergy. Nettle was one of the first graduates of the diabetic alert dog program and has changed this family’s lives ever since he joined them. He has issued many life-saving alerts when the girls were suffering from attacks and is considered their guardian angel.
Bella
Photo Credit: CNW Group/Purina Animal Hall of Fame
Bella is an Anatolian Shepherd who was adopted by her owner Rob from a Humane Society almost a year ago. Rob knew that he had found a great companion, but he never knew that Bella would end up saving another person’s life. Bella was well-trained and obedient to Rob’s commands, so he was incredibly surprised when she refused to get onto the elevator with him at their building one day. Bella pulled on her leash, leading Rob into a sitting area in the lobby, where an elderly man was laying on the ground behind a couch. The man was having a heart attack. Rob immediately called for an ambulance, while Bella stayed at the man’s side with her paw protectively placed on his arm. The paramedics rushed the man to the hospital, where he got the care he needed. Bella went from rescued to the rescuer.
Watch video from the ceremony here:
References:
1. Purina Hall of Fame
2. The Globe and Mail
3. Durham Region
4. CP 24
