A Hero Honoured

A Jack Russell Terrier from Manaia has been honored with the PDSA gold medal for sacrificing his life while protecting a group of children from two pit bull terriers. George fought off the dogs while the children ran away, ostensibly saving their lives, but had to be put down shortly thereafter due to the severity of his wounds. He is the first dog from New Zealand to receive the medal, which is the equivalent of the highest civilian honor, known ironically as the George Cross. His owner, Alan Gay, was presented the medal, saying, “He was a brilliant little dog, intelligent. You couldn’t insult him. I’d call him ‘dipstick’ and he wouldn’t have anything to do with me.’