Wellington, Thursday, January 22, 2009: A courageous dog from Taranaki is to be presented with a posthumous British bravery award for saving five children from two other dogs.
UK veterinary charity PDSA is awarding “George”, a Jack Russell from Manaia, a Gold Medal. It is the animal equivalent of the George Cross, the highest honour for civilian bravery.
Fourteen-year-old George faced two attacking pit bull terriers to protect five children in April last year. His injuries were so severe he had to be put to sleep after the incident.
The award, which has been made only 15 times since it was introduced by the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals of the Poor in 2001, is to be made to George’s owner, Alan Gay.
George had already been awarded a bravery medal in New Zealand: a US Vietnam War veteran gave his Purple Heart, a bronze statue of the dog was built from a public fund and a Swedish pop group recorded a song in his tribute.