Real Life Heroes

You hear some amazing stories about dogs who go out of their way to help their owners in times of need. I once read an article about a families pet dog who acted the hero when he realised that the house was on fire, instead of fleeing he jumped into the babies cot and lay across the babies head, keeping the smoke away from the baby. When the parents got to the crib they found their baby alive and well, but the family dog had passed away from smoke inhalation. He had put his own life on the line to help the family he loved, sometimes they just know, have a 6th sense to do these things.

Some dogs have received special training to aid their owners for a particular purpose in their day to day lives. This can range from guide dogs for the visually impaired, hearing dogs, seizure alert dogs or even veteran service dogs!

These dogs have done some remarkable things and it is often picked up by the media. Take Roselle the Labrador guide dog for instance, who helped guide her owner Michael Hingson out of the 78th floor of the World Trade Centre when American Airlines Flight 11 crashed into the building.  Roselle guided Michael the 1,463 steps out of the building to safety, she navigated the falling debris and remained calm at all times. Just when they got out of the building the south tower collapsed, Michael says that 'While everyone ran in panic, Roselle remained totally focused on her job. While debris fell all around us, and even hit us, Roselle stayed calm'. 

There are so many amazing stories that you will hear from time to time about these dogs who assist on a day to day basis. They are doing the most noble of jobs and I always find it incredible to hear just how intuitive they can be. When we think of assistance dogs we do automatically think of guide dogs, but there are so many different kinds of training given to these dogs to prepare them for their cause.

The infographic below has been created by Bolt Burdon Kemp.

Disclaimer: This post is in collaberation with Bolt Burdon Kemp