As comedian Gilna Radner once said, “I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love. For me, they are the role model for being alive.”
Most of us would agree that dogs make incredible contributions to our lives with their unwavering devotion and playfulness, intelligence and trainability, and strong hearing and sense of smell. Dogs also live in the here and now, appreciate the little things, and fill the world with kindness. Its frequently said that we could all do with being a little more dog!
As a show of admiration for our four-legged friends, we’ve rounded up a few shining stars that’ve been recognised for their courage and loyalty – from Sergeant Stubby who fought in 17 battles to Swansea Jack who saved 27 people from drowning.
Here are true stories about remarkable dogs.
1. Sergeant Stubby – an unlikely war hero
Though small, Sergeant Stubby was big on courage. After wandering onto an army training field in Connecticut, in 1917, Stubby (called so because of his short tail) befriended soldier, Corporal Robert Conroy. Their bond became so strong that, when Corporal Conroy had to leave the training camp to go and fight in World War One, he smuggled Stubby onto the ship to France with him so that he didn’t have to leave him behind.
Stubby’s great hearing and sense of smell became invaluable to the soldiers in detecting enemies and sniffing out gas – and he provided great comfort to dying and injured soldiers in battle. The Bull terrier mutt even learned to solute by raising his right paw to his face, and helped capture a German spy by biting him on the leg.
Over 18 months, this tiny hero was involved in 17 battles and was eventually promoted to Sergeant. Even after receiving a shrapnel wound to the leg, he continued to provide therapy for injured soldiers.
After he retired, Stubby lived happily with Corporal Conroy until he died in 1926 – but he continues to be remembered around the world for his bravery. An animated film, Sgt Stubby: An Unlikely Hero, was made about Stubby in 2018.
2. Bobbie the Wonder Dog who walked over 2,500 miles home
If there’s one dog that symbolises the loyalty that dogs have to their owners, it’s Bobbie. While on holiday with his family in Wolcott, Indiana, in August 1923, the Scotch collie mix ran away after he was attacked by three dogs.
The family – Frank and Elizabeth Brazier, and their two daughters Leona and Nova – searched extensively, but Bobbie was nowhere to be found. Upon returning home, they were heartbroken and assumed they’d never see him again.
But six months later, in February 1924, Bobbie appeared in Silverton, Oregon, where his family lived. His toenails were worn down to nothing, and he was dirty, scrawny, and mangy – showing signs that he had travelled a huge distance.
To reach his family from Wolcott, Bobbie would have had to swim rivers; trek across plains, deserts, and mountains; and cross the Continental Divide during the coldest part of winter. It’s believed that he travelled at least 2,551 miles, averaging 14 miles per day.
Bobbie’s homecoming drew national attention. He was featured in newspaper articles, Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! Books, and a 1924 silent film, The Call of the West – in which Bobbie starred as himself. Fans around the world sent him letters, and he was gifted ribbons, keys to cities, and a jewel-studded collar and harness.
Bobbie died in 1927 and was buried with honours at the Oregon Humane Society’s pet cemetery in Portland. Vets suggested that his early passing was a result of his journey catching up with him. German Shepherd star Rin Tin Tin later laid a wreath at his grave a week later – and today, in Silverton, those wishing to remember Bobbie can also visit a 70-foot-long mural of his life, a life-size statue, and a replica of Bobbie’s fancy dog house.
3. Fred – the chick adopter
Unlikely friendships happen in the dog world too… Just look at Fred, a golden Labrador with a soft spot for fluffy chicks. He first generously adopted nine orphan chicks in 2018, aged 10.
Fred is the resident dog at Mountfitchet Castle in Stansted. As well as being a historic attraction, the castle grounds are home to free-roaming animals – including chickens, pygmy goats, and fallow deer, many of which are rescued.
The nine chicks were discovered on the castle grounds one day, without their mother, and Fred took them on as his own. The ducks cuddled up to him, rode on his back, and went with him for a dip in the castle moat.
In 2022, at age 15, Fred adopted another brood of orphaned chicks, who were expected to stay with him and keep warm, until they were old enough to survive on their own.
4. Dżok – the dog who took his role as man’s best friend very seriously
Those who’ve visited the city of Krakow in Poland may have come across the monument of Dżok – a black mongrel dog who never truly moved on after the death of his owner. In 1990, the man died of a heart attack in his car near the Grunwaldzkie roundabout, and Dżok was left behind when he was taken away in an ambulance.
From 1990-1991, Dżok was seen patiently waiting at the roundabout every day where his owner was taken ill, waiting for his return. Locals felt sorry for the lonely dog and fed him, until one day a kind lady took him home with her.
Sadly, in 1998, this lady died too and Dżok was orphaned again. He was taken to a local dog hostel, but later escaped and was tragically run over by a train.
While this isn’t the happiest of tales, Dżok’s story – like Bobbie’s – shows the power of the deep loyalty dogs have to their owners. In 2001, Dżok’s sculpture was unveiled close to where his owner passed away. The inscription reads “Most faithful canine friend ever, and symbol of a dog’s boundless devotion to his master.”
The monument also shows Dżok raising his left paw. This, along with his nose, have become the most worn (and beloved) parts of the statue because visitors from around the world stop to stroke his nose or hold his paw.
5. Vesper – the search and rescue dog
Vesper is a female Belgian Malinois, who, earlier this year, was announced as the winner of The Kennel Club Hero Dog Award at Crufts 2024. She was originally named Venom and trained to become a police dog. And while she largely excelled in the role, she was seen as being too friendly with strangers to qualify.
However, Niamh, a dog handler from Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS) took Vesper under her wing in 2020, when she was just 18 months old. Vesper then passed a challenging 48-hour trial and joined Niamh as her canine search partner.
Together, Niamh and Vesper have travelled the world, saving lives as part of the UK International Search and Rescue Team (UK ISAR). Vespers bravery has shone through in countless moments, such as when working tirelessly to locate survivors of the horrific earthquakes in Turkey and Morocco.
In the MRFS news, Niamh said: “Vesper is a vital asset to our searching capabilities in disastrous conditions. She has mastered the skill to quickly eliminate a variety of smells such as food, decomposition, and wildlife so that we can rely on her to efficiently search for signs of life. She will go through disasters and identify unique aspects of live, breathing casualties.”
“She is an incredibly intuitive and calm dog that doesn’t react to stimuluses or environmental factors that most dogs would find quite stressful, so she has the ability to continue working in some of the most arduous, stressful conditions.”
6. Swansea Jack – the canine lifeguard
Born in 1930, Swansea Jack was a black, flat-coat retriever who was so mischievous that his owner, Talfourd Davies, found it increasingly difficult to keep an eye on him. He kept escaping from his garden in the Treboeth area of town and heading to Llewellyn Park, where he would cause trouble in the duck pond.
Eventually, Talfourd gave Jack up and he went to live with a new owner, William Thomas, in the docks area of Swansea. Jack’s favourite place to swim in there was the dangerous North Dock where swimmers would frequently get into trouble.
In June 1931, Jack rescued a 12 year old boy; and, a few weeks later, another swimmer – this time in front of a crowd. Across his lifetime, Jack made a name for himself as a local hero, saving the lives of 27 people and two dogs. He won various awards, including ‘Bravest Dog of the Year’, a silver cup, and the Canine Victoria Cross (twice!).
Tragically, in 1937, Jack died after eating rat poison and was laid to rest on the seafront. Today, his medals, cups, newspaper articles, and other trophies are displayed at Swansea Museum.
7. Gordon – the life-changing hearing dog
Twelve-year-old Elyana Huhlemeier, from East Sussex, is profoundly deaf, and wears cochlear implants in both ears. Her parents noticed her deafness when she was two and a half years old; and Elyana later struggled to adapt to life with her disability. She also faced challenges with bullying and making friends — and, at her lowest point, she would pull out clumps of her own hair out or spend the day vomiting.
But things changed for the better when Elyana received Gordon (or as she calls him BFG – Big Friendly Gordon). A fully qualified hearing support dog, Gordon helps to give Elyana confidence, companionship, focus, and routine – he even pulls her duvet off her in the morning to wake her when her alarm sounds. Without her hearing aids, Elyana can’t hear anything at all, so Gordon also provides safety and reassurance during these times.
Earlier this year, Gordon was chosen as a finalist in the Crufts Hero Awards. Elyana’s mum, Silvie, told the Kennel Club, “Gordon has brought support, comfort, and reassurance not just to Elyana’s life, but to our whole family. Thanks to Gordon, she is positive and excited for the future, and doesn’t feel that her deafness will stop her from achieving what she wants to. Every single day we see the bond between him and Elyana grow stronger.”
Final thoughts…
The remarkable tales of these canine heroes remind us of the profound bond between humans and dogs. Their steadfast loyalty, courage, and intelligence have saved countless lives and brought comfort to those who need it.
From the search and rescue dogs who bravely venture into disaster zones to the service animals providing invaluable assistance, these extraordinary companions embody the best qualities of their species. By celebrating their achievements, we’re reminded of the incredible potential that lies within our four-legged friends, and the lasting impact they can have on our lives.
Did any of these stories particularly stand out to you? Do you have any other stories to share about remarkable dogs? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.