The majority of the dogs who win the PDSA Gold Medal did so because they were a Police dog who showed bravery in the line of duty, or were service dogs who saved their owners. George was not one of these - he was a just an ordinary Jack Russell Terrier. On 29 April 2007, he was with a group of five children who were walking back home. The group were attacked by two Pit Bulls, a breed not banned in George's native New Zealand. George set about defending the children from the attack by the other dogs. He barked and ran at the dogs to drive them away from the children. But the Pit Bulls attacked him, biting him on the head and back. His injuries from the two other dogs were so severe that he was put down by his owner following the attack, and the Pit Bulls were also euthanized after they were surrendered by their owner to animal control officers. George had a massive impact on his local community. A statue was erected in his honour in his home town of Manaia, Taranaki, and his owner Allan Gay was awarded the PDSA Gold Medal on George's behalf by the Governor-General of New Zealand, Anand Satyanand. Although he might have only been small, the children that he saved will never forget what he did on that day. So there you have it: 10 heroic dogs stories very much in a Boy's Own style. These are just a sample of the animals who have been awarded medals for heroism... don't forget to leave a comment below with your favourite.
