Everyday Dogs Who Saved People (Video)

Heroes aren’t just those that walk around in capes and defeat bad guys. You’ve heard stories about everyday people that have done extraordinary feats to help others, but did you know that many dogs have been hailed as heroes, too? In this episode, we look at some everyday dogs who saved people!

1. Roger to the Rescue

On December 6th, 2022, in Ringwood, England, a 94-year-old man named Morris Cohen was exiting his car when his walking stick snapped. He became stuck in the car’s footwell and wedged under the brake and clutch pedals. There was nothing he could do with no family around to come to his aid. He tried yelling for help, but it was no use. He was there for almost 24 hours! Luckily, the following morning, his neighbor Roger came to his rescue. Roger was a cute Jack Russell terrier and Poodle mix who had wandered away from his home and over to Morris’ garage. Roger stayed with the man until his owner, Frances Wall, discovered them. Help was quickly called, and luckily, Morris was able to return to his home after a few days in the hospital. 

2. Belgian Malinois vs. Mountain Lion

Not many would face off against a mountain lion, but luckily this first hero on our list didn’t hesitate when her owner was in danger! Eva, a two-year-old Belgian Malinois, and her owner Erin Wilson were on a walk toward the Trinity River in California on May 16th, 2022. It was there that a mountain lion cornered Erin. Eva and the cat got into a scary tussle that was only stopped by the quick reaction of Erin, who had run back to her truck to grab a crowbar and flagged down a passing motorist for help. Erin received scratches on her shoulder from the big cat, but Eva’s damage was much worse. Once the mountain lion was scared off, Erin rushed Eva to an animal hospital, where she received stitches to her face and a few other areas. She was able to go home for recovery on May 19th. Unfortunately, Eva passed away unexpectedly about three weeks later. She had begun to have seizures days prior, and her condition rapidly deteriorated. Though this is a sad ending, we will always remember this Belgian Malinois for her heroic deed!

3. Louisiana Golden Hero

In Louisiana, it’s not hard to find wooded areas, and lots of them. It was also not uncommon for Abigail and Cecilia Bourg to venture off and play with their Golden Retriever, Artemis, in woods not far from their home. On November 28th, 2022, however, the trio wandered too far and got lost. Once realizing this, the sisters decided to stay where they were, holding onto their furry friend for comfort. Their parents sent out a search party when they discovered the girls were gone. 100 volunteers and local law enforcement searched for them for four hours! Artemis’ barking led the rescuers straight to Abigail and Cecilia! The heroic efforts of Artemis got everyone home safely. 

4. Labrador Retriever and Missing Owner

Our next hero also used his barking to save someone! Max, a Labrador Retriever, and his owner Sherry Noppe (Nahp-ie) were stranded in Texas in the 7,800-acre George Bush Park for nearly three days. It was May, and the heat and weather were unforgiving. To make matters worse, Max and Sherry had no food. Sherry was recently diagnosed with dementia, which is believed to be the main reason behind her getting lost! But Max never left her side - leading the rescue team right to them with his barking! The pair were a little bruised and dehydrated but were returned home safe and sound!

5. Hero Dog Ruby

This last entry is a little different from our previous entries. Corporal Daniel O’Neil was a K-9 officer for the Rhode Island State Police and needed a partner. This is where Ruby, an Australian Shepherd/Border Collie mix, came into the picture. She was a shelter dog and returned multiple times for being “unmanageable” before she was even a year old. But Corporal Daniel was willing to give her a chance and the time and patience this dog needed. It paid off! They were a dynamic duo, having saved people, solved cases, and locked away criminals. On one particular assignment, Corporal Daniel and Ruby were sent to find a missing teenage boy. They were successful, and, in a crazy twist of fate, this boy was the son of one of the shelter volunteers that had cared for Ruby! After that event, Ruby was nominated for and won the American Humane Hero Dog Award for Search and Rescue in 2018! A Netflix movie, Rescued by Ruby, premiered on March 17th, 2022, and is based on the amazing life of Ruby. She was a search and rescue K-9 for 11 years until she passed on May 13th, 2022, from a sudden, untreatable illness. Ruby’s story of second chances and heroic service will not be forgotten!

We love dogs, and dog heroes have a special place in our hearts. For those that are no longer with us, we will remember them fondly. And for those who live on and the new heroes we hear about every day, we celebrate them! Want to know about some more awesome dogs? Check out our blog and articles like: “Top 10 Dog Statues Around the World.” Check out some of our other YouTube videos as well. Remember to like, comment, share, and subscribe. Thanks for watching!