Jack Russel Terrier Saves kids from pit bulls

[J0nny Ling0]

Tiny Terrier Rescues 5 Children From Pit Bulls

Wednesday, May 02, 2007

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,269653,00.html

WELLINGTON, New Zealand — This is a dog story.

It's about a plucky little Jack Russell terrier named George, who stood like a giant against two marauding pit bulls and gave his own life to save five kids from the steel-trap jaws and razor-sharp teeth of the vicious attack machines.

Local officials say it's also a story about the people who trained the pit bulls to kill and who may have fed the animals methamphetamines to make them even more deadly.

The tragedy unfolded Sunday afternoon on New Zealand's North Island, in the town of Manaia, where a group of children — and George — were walking back from a trip to the candy store.

Out of nowhere, the children told police, the two pit bulls lunged at them.

One of the kids, Richard Rosewarne, 11, told the local paper that George never backed down against the pit bulls, doggedly refusing to let the them get at his little brother, 4-year-old Darryl.

(Story continues below)

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"George tried to protect us by barking and rushing at them, but they started to bite him — one on the head and the other on the back," Rosewarne said. "We ran off crying and some people saw what was happening and rescued George."

It was too late, however, to save the little 9-year-old terrier. Steven Hopkinson, the veterinarian who treated George, said the dog's wounds were the worst he'd seen. Putting him down, Hopkinson said, was the only option.

For Allan Gay, George's owner, the loss is especially devastating. He lives alone and George had been his faithful companion for seven of his nine years, inheriting the pup when neighbors moved away.

"These two pitbulls rushed up and were going for the little boy," Gay said, choking back tears. "George went for them, it's what he would do. He didn't stand a chance, but I reckon he saved that boy from being chewed up.

"If it wasn't for George, those kids would have copped it," Gay said.

Gay said he had been receiving phone calls non-stop from relatives and news media since word got out about George's heroics.

"The phone has been going since about half past seven this morning. Every time I hang up it rings again. It's worn out; I might have to get a new one," he said.

The pit bulls, meanwhile, were found Tuesday and turned over to local officials, who said they would be destroyed.

Officials also are investigating reports that the dogs could have been given methamphetamines to make them more aggressive and very unpredictable.

"I understand it commonly happens in Rotorua," animal control officer Kiernan Best said.

"The pitbulls I've had dealings with are naturally aggressive because of the type of people they are with," Best said. "They keep pitbulls around because they don't like visitors, and one can only presume they have something to hide, that they are into crime and drugs.

"They are paranoid about officials visiting and the dog emulates the owner," Best said.

Gay, meanwhile, and the kids George saved built a makeshift memorial to their hero.

"George was brave," Gay said, as each of the kids held a photo of the little pup they'll never forget. "He took them on and he's not even a foot high. ... He jumped in on them, he tried to keep them off."

And, he gave his life doing so.

The Associate Press and Taranaki Daily News contributed to this report.

This story made me cry :( There is a good picture of little George at the article sight, but I don't know how to post it. Could someone do that?

Edited May 3, 2007 by Jonny Lingo

[WhiteDove]

[ChattyKathy]

Jonny,

That is really something for that little doggie to do. Bless his little heart.

If you ever need help with posting things just PM or email me okay.

[J0nny Ling0]

Thanks Kathy, and thanks White Dove, and yeah, that's the Little Hero! Just look at the sweet smile on his face! By God, that story just "rent me in two". What a cool story about a huge hearted dog who gave it all to protect those kids. God bless him.....

Edited May 3, 2007 by Jonny Lingo

[ChasUFarley]

Parson Jack Russells - aka Jack Russel Terriorists - are awesome little dogs!

And it sounds like George was extra special!

[Rocky]

Parson Jack Russells - aka Jack Russel Terriorists - are awesome little dogs!

And it sounds like George was extra special!

It sure does... what a wonderful act of bravery and sacrifice... too bad it cost him his life.

JL, thanks for posting this story...

[ChattyKathy]

I had to look here again and see that little thing. What a precious doggie he was. If there were such a thing as doggie heaven and crowns he would get the finest.

[likeaneagle]

It rent me into too...wow...

what a brave little one..

[Nottawayfer]

Rest in Peace Sweet George, you were a good boy!

Now who in the heck would feed dogs methamphetamine? This world is getting sicker and sicker.

[ChasUFarley]

Notta - if you spend anytime reading about dogs in rescue programs, meth isn't uncommon. I've seen several dogs in programs due to crack cocaine, pot, and other substances that some seriously wacked person thought it might be "funny" to share with their poor pooch. :(

[wrdsandwrks]

Thanks for posting that great story. I told it to my kids, as we have four (that's right four) Jack Russells. I feel safer now. Jack Russells are great little dogs. Full of spunk and energy but sweet and brave too. George is a hero, I hope he goes to doggie heaven!Here are three of our little heroes. I'll have to remind myself of George when they dig up the yard.Not sure why there are 3 pics but I have to run so I'll try to edit it later...

Edited May 5, 2007 by wrdsandwrks

[Nottawayfer]

AWESOME pictures!!! I just LOVE the one in the middle, looking like she/he is trying to squeeze her/his way in. Too cute!

Notta - if you spend anytime reading about dogs in rescue programs, meth isn't uncommon. I've seen several dogs in programs due to crack cocaine, pot, and other substances that some seriously wacked person thought it might be "funny" to share with their poor pooch. :(

That is damn sad. Makes me wanna cry.

[ChasUFarley]

WRDSANDWRKS -

my son, who's 5 years old, just went, "awwwwww!" when he saw your JRs! They are so handsome!