Thursday 18 December 2014

BRAVE AND LOYAL DOGS









We have always known and talked about dogs and their bravery.  We have also talked about their undying loyalty, heroism and their faithfulness.  We know that dogs would go up to any heights to save their masters.  Dogs are just like humans when it comes to emotions.  From feeling awestruck and happy to dismal and protective, they have this uncanny ability to be heroic and save people. These dogs are filled with selflessness and the amount of loyalty and intelligence that they possess will shock you.

If you’ve ever had the privilege to spend time with one, you will know that this reputation is based on truth.  Here are a few listings of these unbelievable canines and their amazing stories of their bravery, heroism and sweetness.
In this list,  certainly, one who stands alone is a brave blind dog named Norman, who didn’t
let his lack of sight prevent him from saving a child in distress,  who with his
devil-may-care-attitude to his own life, deserves to top the honors.

                                            
                                                           NORMAN - A Blind dog.
Norman, a blind Labrador Retriever, often loved to run on the beach with his owner, Annette.  He loved the freedom of the beach because it was the only safe public place where he could run free. So he didn't think twice when he heard the girl cry for help in the water. Despite the blindness, Norman raced into the water to save a little girl who was drowning.
Listening to her screams, Norman found her and gently guided her safely to shore. The brave dog didn't let his lack of sight prevent him from saving a child in distress.

                        Norman saves a drowning girl.




Loyal Until the End - BOBBY
Bobby, a little Skye Terrier, lived happily in Scotland with his owner during the mid-1800s.  Unfortunately Bobby’s owner, John Gray, died in 1858, leaving little Bobby all alone. 

The day after the burial, they noticed a little dog lying on the grave - it was Bobby. They chased him away, but Bobby returned the following morning.  And he kept coming back.  Every day.  Day in and day out.  In the rain.  Despite the cold, he came back to lie on his master's grave. 
Taking pity on the small dog, they let him stay. 
For the next 14 years, Bobby stayed at his master's grave, only leaving each day at 1 p.m. for his meal. 
When Bobby eventually died, he was buried in the churchyard and given his own headstone, which read:


GREYFIARS BOBBY
DIED 14th JANUARY 1872
AGED 16 YEARS

LET HIS LOYALTY & DEVOTION
BE A LESSON TO US ALL


Erected by the Dog Aid Society of Scotland
& unveiled by H.R.N. The Duke Of Gloucester CCVO on 13th May 1881








                                                        
People have always seemed to have a soft spot for heroic dogs. Whether its TV classics like Lassie or heart-warming family films like Homeward Bound, the idea of dogs rescuing their human masters (or even complete strangers) captures our love and affection as few other things do. So it's only natural to love hearing about dogs who save people in real life! Here are some true accounts of dogs who saved people from perilous circumstances

                                                          
                                  
                                                                       MOTI
  
2007's Dog of the Year winner was Moti, the five year old German Shepherd who literally took a bullet for his human family. When a masked intruder made his way into the Patel household, Moti wasted little time, leaping to his feet and barking to draw the gunman's attention. Faced with the angry pooch, the gunman shot him and ran off without harming any of the Patels. Luckily, this furry hero is making a full recovery!
                                                      

                                                          HONEY  

Honey was the 2006 Dog of the Year, an award she earned by saving her owner from a violent car accident. When she and Michael Bosch found their SUV rolled over and stuck upside down in a deep ravine, Bosch was trapped and knew that Honey was his only hope. With all his strength, he managed to release the dog and hope that she would somehow find help.  Sure enough, the then 5 month old English Cocker Spaniel got the attention of a man about a half-mile away and brought him to the scene of the accident. Rescuers concluded that had it not been for this, Bosch would have died.

                                          
                                                                                                     HERO                                

In a truly heartwarming story, a four year old Golden Retriever was credited with saving a paralyzed man who got his wheelchair stuck in the middle of a muddy field. When Gareth Jones found himself unable to move, the former soldier's service dog was ready to answer the call, dutifully pulling the rope Jones threw to him until the wheelchair was pulled free.

                                                     
                                                                           EVE
                                                                         
Everyone loves those heart-pounding movie scenes where the hero escapes a burning pit seconds before it explodes, but it's not so fun in real life.  That's what Kathie, a paralyzed paraplegic, learned when her Rottweiler (Eve) pulled her by the ankles from her burning, smoldering truck.  Upon pulling Kathie out, Eve proceeded to drag her to a nearby ditch, just far enough away to avoid the explosion of her vehicle.
After firemen cleared the scene, Eve was awarded the Stillman Award for her bravery.



                                                                      TRAKR & JAMES SYMINGTON

Trakr owns arguably the most prestigious rescue on this list.  Together with police officer James Symington, Trakr helped dig through some 30 feet of unstable debris at the World Trade Center "ground zero" site and locate the last human survivor of the attack.  The dog's bravery was so celebrated that he is going to be cloned for use in other police rescue forces!
                                                     

                                                         BLUE & RUTH GAY

Most people wouldn't dare to go one-on-one with an alligator, but that's exactly what Blue did to take home 2001 "Dog Hero of the Year" honors.  The Australian Blue Heeler saved Ruth Gay, his 85 year old owner, from an alligator attack behind her home.  Reportedly, Ms. Gay had fallen while walking Blue. When a nearby gator lumbered over, threatening to attack, Blue charged into action and sparred with the gator long enough to scare it away. Both Gay and Blue made full recoveries, and blue was awarded with doggie treats, cash, and a specially engraved Dog Hero food bowl.

                                                                         NEO   

This 11 month old Siberian husky earned his hero stripes by getting human help for his imperiled owner, Marci Snead.  When Snead (a diabetic with fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis) went into hypoglycemic shock, Neo ran to the nearest building.  There, he grabbed the attention of several people who followed Neo back to where Snead had fallen.  Within moments, an ambulance was called and the women carted off to a nearby hospital, where she recovered completely.


                                                  BELLE & KEVIN WEAVER
  
In a nearly unbelievably story titled "Dog Makes Cell Phone Call to Save Owner's Life", readers learn about Belle, a beagle who literally bit "911" into Kevin Weaver's cell phone after the diabetic man collapsed from a seizure.  Said Weaver, "there's no doubt in my mind that I'd be dead if I didn't have Belle", who became the first canine to win VITA's Wireless Samaritan Award.  Evidently, the pooch had been trained to bite down on the phone's keypad in the event of an emergency!

                                                                      SASHA
                                   
  An Army sniffer dog who died in the Afghanistan battlefield alongside her heroic handler has been awarded the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross.
The courageous canine and young soldier faced the horrors of war together. Lance Corporal Kenneth Rowe, 24, and Sasha, a four-year-old yellow Labrador, also died together in a Taliban ambush in July 2008 when they were hit by a rocket-propelled grenade. 
Their memory was honored earlier this week when the brave dog was awarded the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross.
She became the 65th animal to be awarded the honorary medal, which has also been given to cats, horses and birds who have served alongside humans.

                                                                         PEARL
                                 
This floppy-eared homeless pooch turned search-and-rescue dog was sent to Japan to search for  survivors after the country's earthquake and tsunami.  Pearl's shelter-to-hero story was captured in a children’s book, A New Job for Pearl.


                                                                       ZANJEER

26th November, 2008,  a series of twelve bombs detonated throughout the city of Mumbai leaving 257 dead and 713 injured.

According to Reuters, thousands of lives were saved thanks to a brave golden labrador named Zanjeer.  The heroic canine detected more than 3,329 kgs of explosive RDX, 600 detonators, 249 hand grenades, and 6,406 rounds of live ammunition.  Zanjeer, a treasured member of the Mumbai Police Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad, also helped avert other potential explosions by detecting three more bombs in the days following the initial blasts.
Zanjeer died of bone cancer at the age of eight years and was buried with full police honors.  His story still captures many hearts.

                                                 BRONCO & JOHN MARIANA         

Bronco lunged at the Taliban sniper, sinking his teeth into his torso. The enemy aimed his AK-47 at him and the bullet shattered his nose.

Expecting a severe head wound, Mariana found his dog sitting around the corner of a building. He had been hit in the face by the bullet that entered one side of his mouth and dissolved the right side of his muzzle shattering nose bone and fracturing teeth.

While waiting for Medevac to airlift the severely wounded Bronco to a hospital in Kandahar, Sgt John Mariana held him in his arms. 
On landing there was no waiting ambulance. Mariana pulled the dog up onto his shoulders and ran with Bronco to the main hospital.
After a five-hour surgery, Bronco was stable and the prognosis was good but the dog and Mariana were being transferred to Bagram, one of the largest US bases in the country. En route, Mariana held the dog’s head on his chest and held his mouth open so he could breathe.
Two more surgeries replaced sections of the dog’s nose and Mariana never left his side. More surgery was required back in the States and throughout the ordeal, Mariana was heartsick separated from the dog that had saved his life.
For five months, he fought to get Bronco back. When finally reunited, Mariana held his dog - whose nose now whistled like a tea-kettle - and cried like a baby.
‘He didn’t work for me out of fear of me correcting him. He worked for me because he loved me and I love him. And I really believe that he knew that’, Mariana said.
 Handlers agreed that the dogs on service missions acted as a talisman and protected them from unforeseen horrors as well as dispelling any loneliness.  A true bond of love and friendship.

                                                                            MINI
She does not carry a gun, nor does she speak. But she has a nose unlike anyone in the battlefield – and her heroics during a counter-terrorism operation landed her one of India’s distinguished awards.
 She is Mini, a black Labrador retriever and a soldier’s best friend. Mini’s bravery resulted in receiving an award on India’s Independence Day [August 15] 2010. She is one of several hundreds of dogs that serve the Indian Army

A member of the explosives detection wing of the 20 Army Dog Unit, Mini received the Chief of Army Staff's commendation card for sniffing out two IEDs [improvised explosive devices] in the jungles of the Poonch district, Jammu and Kashmir, during a counter-terrorism operation in 2009. Mini and her handler, Devi Dayal, participated in the operation conducted by Rashtriya Rifles [RR], an Army anti-terror force, at Haryana Ridge area on March 13, 2009. Two camouflaged bombs could have killed soldiers had she not found the explosive devices.
Mini is not the only hero, there are many other dogs in the Indian Army and their awe inspiring heroic stories.




                                                 
People have always seemed to have a soft spot for heroic dogs. They captures our love and affection as few other things do.  After watching this video, captured on a busy highway in Chile, even you’ll agree that Animals are better than Humans.
How many times have you seen humans risk their lives to help?





            Dogs didn't become ‘Man’s Best Friend’ for no reason.
            They give us their unconditional love every day.
            Do we deserve it? 
            It’s time we return the favor.


                              SAVE A LIFE,  ADOPT A HOMELESS DOG.



                                       








Friday 5 December 2014

UNIQUE DOG BREEDS YOU MAY NEVER COME ACROSS






Over the centuries, people have bred dogs to be companions, workers, snugglers and pets. Because of this, dogs are the most diverse animals in terms of physical appearance.  Out in the park or walking down the street you will see many dog breeds, but you won’t find these breeds on every street.  Some hail from far-off locales, others have unique features.  Many of them are found in such small numbers, that they sometimes aren't even acknowledged by Kennel Clubs.

You won’t see these guys out in the park or on the street, so enjoy reading about these cute and unique tail-waggers.



                                                            AFGHAN HOUND

AFGHAN HOUND.
Considered an aristocratic sighthound, elegance personified, handsome, sensitive and independent.  hailing from Afghanistan where the original name was ‘Tazi’.  Considered one of the oldest breeds and is thought to date back to the pre-Christian era.
   
Despite his glamorous reputation, the Afghan hound is a hunter at heart, bred to chase down
game over rugged terrain. While he maintains his regal bearings inside, he needs a daily chance to stretch his legs in a safe area. His worst trait is a reluctance to come when called. He will chase small animals outside; inside, he will coexist peacefully. The Afghan Hound is gentle with children and described by some as 'catlike'. He is independent yet sensitive and not overly demonstrative. He can be reserved with strangers; some can be timid. He has a gay, clownish side.
     
                                                                          AKITA
 


AKITA.   (秋田犬 Akita-inu?)
A noble, fearless, loyal guardian of his family who does not back down from challenges.  Originally used for guarding royalty and nobility in federal Japan.

The Akita is a big, bold dog with a distinctly powerful appearance: a large head in contrast to small, triangular eyes; and a confident, rugged stance. The mere presence of a powerful Akita serves as a deterrent to most who would cause trouble.
This breed is renowned for unwavering loyalty to his owners, and he can be surprisingly sweet and affectionate with family members. Imagine a loving protector who will follow you from room to room, whose entire mission in life seems to be simply to serve you.
This friendly dog is well depicted in the movie ‘Hatchi’ - A Dogs tale, a 'true' drama film of loyalty.  Stars: Richard Gere and Joan Allen. Watch on You Tube.



                                                                 AZAWAKH
AZAWAKH.
A dog breed named for the Azawakh valley in the Sahara desert where this breed originated. An Azawakh is a proud but loyal and protective of his home and family.  A guardian, hunter and companion to tribes in that region.  A sighthound who runs like the wind.


                                                               BERGAMASCO

BERGAMASCO.
A fun-loving, protective Bergamasco-sheepdog creates a special bond with owners.  Breed historians believe Bergamasco originated in Asia more than 2000 years ago.  Roman soldiers and Phoenicians took the breed to the Italian Alps where shepherds from Italy’s ‘Bergama’ region discovered the obedient dog could drive sheep into Switzerland to graze.




                                     
                                                      BEDLINGTON TERRIER

BEDLINGTON TERRIER.
Bedlington Terrier has the appearance of a little lamb.  He is a playful, cheerful and affectionate, making a good family companion.  Loving with children and family, friendly with strangers. It is a loyal and lively breed.



         
                                                 CATAHOULA LEOPARD DOG

 CATAHOULA LEOPARD DOG.
Has a striking appearance and a strong work ethics.  He’s a tough dog breed to work in swamps and forest.  He requires a strong leader who is firm and consistent.  This beautiful dog also known as Louisiana’s ‘Hog Dog’ is credited to track and drive feral hogs and cattle when it was time to butcher.


             Chow Chow












    
CHOW CHOW BLUE













CHOW CHOW.

The Chow Chow combines the ability of a Lion, the drollness of a Panda, the appeal of a Teddy bear, the grace and independence of a Cat and the loyalty and devotion of a dog.

One of the oldest breeds, this bear-like dog is known for his independent nature.

He’s also dignified and aloof as befits a breed that was once kept in imperial Chinese kennels.
If you’re looking for a cuddle-buddy, this probably isn't the breed for you.

If you admire the Chow Chow's unique appearance and independent spirit, you'll have a fiercely loyal companion who will be a true treasure in your household.

                                                              KOMONDOR

KOMONDOR.
A descendent from Tibetan dogs and brought to Hungary a thousand years ago by nomadic Magyars.
The Komondor may look like a mop on four legs, but beneath all that hair, there’s a big dog with a big personality.  Originally bred to guard livestock – a job he still excels at – the Komondor is intelligent, independent and highly protective.
In fact he enjoys nothing more than watching over his family.





                                                         FILA BRASILEIRO



FILA BRASILEIRO.
One might take his massive bulk for laziness or clumsiness, but one would be terribly mistaken.
A Fila Brasileiro is calm and quite, until aroused, when, he shifts into fierce protector’s role in an instant, moving with tremendous speed and athletic agility.  He is extremely dedicated to his owner and a very loyal loving companion.
He is a descendant of the 15th century English Mastiff, Bloodhound, Bulldog and Refeiros.



                                                          KOREAN MASTIFF


KOREAN MASTIFF (Mee Kyun Dosa)
The dog’s look should not fool you.  Although Korean Mastiff looks intimidating: they are actually a very kind and docile breed.  They tend to bond closely with owners and want nothing more than company.  They are great with children and other dogs of all sizes.

Due to his size, lines are to be clearly defined that you and all other humans ‘Must’ be higher up in the order than the dog to have a successful relationship.



                                                   NEAPOLITAN MASTIFF


NEAPOLITAN MASTIFF.
The Neapolitan Mastiff is a serious, powerful dog.  This is not a breed for everyone.  They look a bit intimidating, but is actually affectionate, calm, peaceful and loving.

It is a stay-at-home type dog.  It is incredibly loyal and devoted to its family, watchful and suspicious of strangers and tolerant of acquaintance.
Because of its size, it should be carefully socialized at an early stage.



 CHINESE CRESTED HAIRLESS


                          
 
    CHINESE
    CRESTED
    POWDERPUFF...
  








CHINESE CRESTED.
This elegant dog craves human companionship.  It comes in two varieties:
Hairless (with hair on its head, tail and feet)
Powderpuff (with hair all over)

Very curiously,  the two types of the Chinese Crested come from the same litter.

This breed of dog is willing to please and show intense devotion to its family.  It is good with pets, other dogs and strangers.  It has a happy and alert appearance.

Chinese crested combines qualities of a sensitive companion, a calm lapdog and a playful elf.



                                                  PERUVIAN INCA ORCHID


PERUVIAN INCA ORCHID
- A.K.A. -
(PIO) (Peruvian Hairless Dog) (Moonflower Dog) (Perro Flower) (Inca Hairless Dog)
(Al’co Calato)

The Peruvian Inca Orchid originated in Peru.  Spanish explorers came upon this breed in the homes of Inca nobility in the early 1500.

Agile, smart and swift, the Peruvian Inca Orchid is an elegant sighthound that developed in Peru. The breed can be hairless or coated, and comes in three sizes - small, medium and large. Lively and alert, these dogs can be very good hunters and do well in lure coursing, rally and agility. In the hairless variety, the skin can be of any color. In the coated variety all colors are accepted including black, brown, gray, pink, tan and white.

The breed is loyal and protective of its family, but like all dogs should be supervised around younger children and small pets that may be seen as preys.



                                                                         SALUKI

  
SALUKI (In Arabic – The Noble)
For 6,000 years the ‘Bedouin’ have bred Saluki from only the quickest dogs with the best eyesight.

Salukis were once considered a gift from ‘Allah’.  They’re fast as the wind, skinny as a supermodel and quietly devoted to their people.  A Saluki is easy to groom, challenging to train, and not to be trusted off leash.

Beautiful but reserved, the Saluki is affectionate without being overly demonstrative.  Not everyone is offered the gift of a Saluki’s devoted friendship, but then happy few who receive it are appreciative of the honor.

                                                                        PULI


PULI.
The Puli is a compact dog of square proportion and medium bone.

An ancient breed, the Puli crossed he plains into Hungary with the Magyars several thousand years ago where they were used as sheep dogs.  Many shepherds seemed to prefer black dogs, probably because they are easier to see among the flock.

A mop on spring, the Puli is full of bouncing energy.  It is busy and curious and needs daily exercise.  This smart dog is also headstrong and tough.  It can be aggressive towards other dogs.  Alert and watchful, it is also protective of its family.  It barks a lot.



                                                       SWEDISH VALLHUND


SWEDISH VALLHUND.   (Vallhund = Herding dog)
Swedish Vallhund is a small, low to the ground but a sturdy dog.  It is responsive and even tempered companion.  It is intelligent and affectionate.  He loves attention and craves for leadership.  Extremely active and devoted.  Owners are never disappointed in his multi-faceted ability or his sense of humor.                                    



           RED TIBETAN MASTIFF  (Name: Big Splash - World's most expensive dog)

TIBETAN MASTIFF.
(Origin:  With Nomadic cultures of Tibet, China, Nepal and Central Asia 

World’s most expensive dog:

 
A coal baron from North China bought a Red Tibetan Mastiff
Named: ‘Big Splash’ or ‘Hong Dong’ in Chinese,  for 10 million Chinese Yuan, 
(Approximately: 1 million Pounds Sterling or 2 million U.S. Dollars or INR 6.8 Crores)


The Red Tibetan Mastiff is fast becoming a status symbol in China, replacing jewelry and cars as a way for the super-rich to show off their wealth.

Red is considered a lucky color and Tibetan Mastiff are thought to be holy animals, blessing their owner’s health and security.
  
Tibetans believe the dogs have the souls of monks and nuns who were not good enough to be reincarnated as humans or into Shambhala, the heavenly realm. 

Owners of this breed have included Queen Victoria, King George IV and Genghis Khan, who took 30,000 of the dogs with his army in his bid to conquer Western Europe.

This loving, gentle guard dog is almost human in the way he understands his people.
He was originally developed centuries ago in Tibet as a guard dog for livestock and property. They enjoy life as a family companion and show dog. 

                                                                TIBETAN MASTIFF

 Tibetian Mastiff  - approximate market prices:
U.K.  -    P.S. 850 - 1,000
USA  -    $ 1,500 - 5,000
India  -    INR 4,000 - 10,000





Everyone wants to ride with you in a Limousine, but what you want is someone who will take a bus with you when the limo breaks down.
                                                              …Oprah                                                                                                               


The affectionate and loyal love a dog gives to his human is immeasurable, unconditional and incomparable.

No matter how little money and how few possessions you own, having a dog makes you rich.  It doesn't matter if you can afford to do a ‘Big Splash’ with ‘Big Bucks’,  any dog you fall in love with, will enrich your life with his faithful and true love.
They say,  Money can't buy love.

           
 SAVE A LIFE, ADOPT A HOMELESS DOG.