In a world where human relationships can sometimes falter, the unwavering loyalty and courage of dogs continue to shine. In 2019, numerous canines demonstrated extraordinary acts of heroism, proving once again that they are truly man’s best friend. From assisting in high-stakes military operations to saving families from danger, these remarkable animals have earned well-deserved recognition.
Many dogs captured headlines and hearts in 2019, but here are a few notable examples of canine courage:
K9 Conan, a Belgian Malinois named after talk show host Conan O’Brien, played a crucial role in the October raid that led to the death of Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.
The military working dog sustained injuries during the mission in northwestern Syria after encountering live electrical wires while pursuing Baghdadi through a tunnel. President Trump commended Conan’s bravery, calling him “incredible,” “brilliant,” “smart,” and the “ultimate fighter” during a White House visit. Trump stated, “Conan is one tough cookie… I love this dog.”
K9 Conan had been working with special operations for four years and participated in approximately 50 missions. There was initial confusion about Conan’s gender, but it was later confirmed that Conan is male.
Zeus, an 8-month-old pit bull, tragically died in September after saving his human siblings from a coral snake in Sumter County, Florida. The Richardson family was in their backyard when the venomous snake approached their two children. Zeus immediately attacked the snake, sustaining four bites in the process.
“All of a sudden, he started attacking the snake which was close to my son and he was bit four times,” Gary Richardson told WOFL.
Zeus was rushed to the vet and given antivenom, but sadly, he succumbed to the venom the following day. Gina Richardson, Zeus’s mom, described him as “a member of the family” and said his loss “just killed us.” She emphasized that pit bulls, when treated with love and care, are incredibly loyal and willing to give their lives for their families. “If you treat them right, they would give their life for you and I owe my son’s life to him.”
Edgar, a 4-year-old hound-mix rescue dog in Pennsylvania, was credited with saving his owners’ three children from a potential abduction. On April 28, Edgar’s unusual behavior – growling and howling – alerted his owner, Thom Lambert. After quieting Edgar, Lambert heard someone on his staircase and called 911. Although authorities found nothing at the time, days later, a 20-year-old man was arrested for abducting a girl down the street and confessed to entering the Lamberts’ home but being scared off by a dog.
“Without Edgar genuinely who knows where our daughters would be right now,” Lambert told WPMT . “Our family was 100 percent rescued by our dog that we rescued.”
A tiny Jack Russell Terrier named Zippy died in September after alerting his family to a house fire in Bradenton, Florida. The rescue dog repeatedly ran between the beds, trying to warn his family of the flames spreading through the house around 2 a.m., according to his owner, Leroy Butler.
The fire spread rapidly, and Butler was unable to save Zippy. Firefighters found him, but he had died from smoke inhalation. “He was a short little dog. There was nowhere for him to go,” Butler said. “We adopted him as a pet, so we can only, I can only, say he was a good dog. He only did what he could.”
Bear, a 6-year-old Border Collie-Koolie mix, serves as a “koala detection dog” with the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), working alongside human rescuers to locate koalas and other wildlife trapped or injured in Australian wildfires. Bear’s high energy and lack of interest in people, which made him unsuitable as a pet, make him an ideal detection dog. In November, Bear and his handler were deployed to areas of Queensland and New South Wales, heavily affected by bushfires. While they didn’t find any live koalas immediately, Bear indicated possible locations, raising hopes for future rescues.
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These are just a few examples of the many dogs who demonstrated extraordinary courage and loyalty in 2019. Their stories serve as a reminder of the unique bond between humans and animals and the incredible things dogs are capable of.
Police K9 units are often at the forefront of dangerous situations, and their bravery is commendable. The loss of a pet is always difficult, but these stories highlight the incredible impact these animals have on our lives. The love of a dog is truly unconditional.