We’ve all heard the stories about “hero” pets, the one where two pups saved two young children from a snake lurking in the grass near to where they were playing is just an example. If you have a pet, I’m sure you all have your own stories to tell.
I’m personally a dog fan, having had a dog since I was a young girl, and I can remember various instances when one of my dogs has shown great love and loyalty, not to mind protection against outsiders.
Image from RANKER
When my little niece was just a toddler, learning to walk steadily on her feet, my two Springer Spaniel pups guarded her like she was royalty, they followed her around everywhere, I think they thought she was one of their own (They are the same age, so have been in my house as long as each other). One day, my niece took a tumble and was heading for a very helpless fall, face first onto the concrete however, as quick as you like, one of my dogs threw himself down onto the ground on his back, breaking her fall as she landed on his stomach between his front legs.
Image from Mercury Press & Media Ltd.
Sarah Fenton and her family from the UK had an experience with their cat a few years ago. Sarah and her son Ethan got a new cat after their last one passed away. She says it was love at first sight for her son and their new ginger tabby called Smudge, “He is more of a brother to the boys than a cat,” she says, explaining that they bonded instantly.
Ethan who was 5-years-old at the time, and his younger brother aged 2, were playing in their front garden one day when a group of older children started harassing the brothers from the front gate. One of the boys was yelling at young Ethan and even pushed him onto the ground.
As soon as Sarah saw what was happening, she rushed outside to help but was beaten to boys by their cat. Smudge was under their car and upon seeing his “brothers” in danger he went for the bullies. Smudge jumped at the boy’s chest, hissing and spitting at him and making those usual scary cat noises until the gang ran away.
Sarah said she was shocked to see what had happened, but grateful for the cat’s devotion to its family. “He has never done anything like that before but it was absolutely brilliant seeing him look out for Ethan like that. He has slept outside his bedroom keeping guard ever since it happened. I actually feel so much safer knowing Smudge is around after seeing him defend him like that,” she explains.
Due to his heroic act of bravery, Smudge was nominated for the Cats Protection, National Cat of the Year Award in the UK. Smudge didn’t win the award, but he came second to a 15-year-old cat called Cleo, who saved her owner after he had a heart attack.
Remarkable stuff really. Do you have a pet story you would like to share? Feel free to comment below.