Canine hero. George was a Jack Russell Terrier who died while saving five children from a vicious dog attack in the town of Manaia, Taranaki, New Zealand. While Mr Gay had previously believed his beloved pet of 7 years was aged 9, a recent call from the previous owner confirmed he was in fact 14 years old.
George was accompanying the children on a trip to a local dairy when the attack occured. The foot-high terrier placed himself between the two larger dogs and the children. The dogs instead attacked George, who was rescued by a passing motorist. George's injuries were so severe, that he was humanely euthanized. Alan Gay, 69, received George seven years ago from a neighbor couple who were divorcing.
George's story was published in "USA Today" and inspired an American Vietnam War veteran to contact George's owner. Jerrell Hudman of Texas told Mr. Gay he was sending one of his Purple Heart medals to him in New Zealand in honor of George's bravery. This brought the story international attention.
The offending dogs' owner subsequently surrendered his dogs and they were destroyed. Authorities say he will likely be prosecuted.
On May 6, 2007 the national New Zealand chapter of the SPCA unanimously voted to posthumously award the brave terrier their The Royal New Zealand SPCA Medal for Bravery. The medal is usually awarded for outstanding acts of bravery by humans in defense of animals.
Alan Gay received the medal on behalf of George from SPCA executives on May 18, 2007. The ceremony took place at Manaia Primary School, where the children George saved attend classes.
George was accompanying the children on a trip to a local dairy when the attack occured. The foot-high terrier placed himself between the two larger dogs and the children. The dogs instead attacked George, who was rescued by a passing motorist. George's injuries were so severe, that he was humanely euthanized. Alan Gay, 69, received George seven years ago from a neighbor couple who were divorcing.
George's story was published in "USA Today" and inspired an American Vietnam War veteran to contact George's owner. Jerrell Hudman of Texas told Mr. Gay he was sending one of his Purple Heart medals to him in New Zealand in honor of George's bravery. This brought the story international attention.
The offending dogs' owner subsequently surrendered his dogs and they were destroyed. Authorities say he will likely be prosecuted.
On May 6, 2007 the national New Zealand chapter of the SPCA unanimously voted to posthumously award the brave terrier their The Royal New Zealand SPCA Medal for Bravery. The medal is usually awarded for outstanding acts of bravery by humans in defense of animals.
Alan Gay received the medal on behalf of George from SPCA executives on May 18, 2007. The ceremony took place at Manaia Primary School, where the children George saved attend classes.
Canine hero. George was a Jack Russell Terrier who died while saving five children from a vicious dog attack in the town of Manaia, Taranaki, New Zealand. While Mr Gay had previously believed his beloved pet of 7 years was aged 9, a recent call from the previous owner confirmed he was in fact 14 years old.
George was accompanying the children on a trip to a local dairy when the attack occured. The foot-high terrier placed himself between the two larger dogs and the children. The dogs instead attacked George, who was rescued by a passing motorist. George's injuries were so severe, that he was humanely euthanized. Alan Gay, 69, received George seven years ago from a neighbor couple who were divorcing.
George's story was published in "USA Today" and inspired an American Vietnam War veteran to contact George's owner. Jerrell Hudman of Texas told Mr. Gay he was sending one of his Purple Heart medals to him in New Zealand in honor of George's bravery. This brought the story international attention.
The offending dogs' owner subsequently surrendered his dogs and they were destroyed. Authorities say he will likely be prosecuted.
On May 6, 2007 the national New Zealand chapter of the SPCA unanimously voted to posthumously award the brave terrier their The Royal New Zealand SPCA Medal for Bravery. The medal is usually awarded for outstanding acts of bravery by humans in defense of animals.
Alan Gay received the medal on behalf of George from SPCA executives on May 18, 2007. The ceremony took place at Manaia Primary School, where the children George saved attend classes.
George was accompanying the children on a trip to a local dairy when the attack occured. The foot-high terrier placed himself between the two larger dogs and the children. The dogs instead attacked George, who was rescued by a passing motorist. George's injuries were so severe, that he was humanely euthanized. Alan Gay, 69, received George seven years ago from a neighbor couple who were divorcing.
George's story was published in "USA Today" and inspired an American Vietnam War veteran to contact George's owner. Jerrell Hudman of Texas told Mr. Gay he was sending one of his Purple Heart medals to him in New Zealand in honor of George's bravery. This brought the story international attention.
The offending dogs' owner subsequently surrendered his dogs and they were destroyed. Authorities say he will likely be prosecuted.
On May 6, 2007 the national New Zealand chapter of the SPCA unanimously voted to posthumously award the brave terrier their The Royal New Zealand SPCA Medal for Bravery. The medal is usually awarded for outstanding acts of bravery by humans in defense of animals.
Alan Gay received the medal on behalf of George from SPCA executives on May 18, 2007. The ceremony took place at Manaia Primary School, where the children George saved attend classes.
