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11 Heroic Dogs, Cats (and Even a Pig!) Who Saved Lives!

Dogs and cats are more than just pets – they can be true heroes when their humans need them most. Here are 11 amazing stories of courageous canines and fearless felines who stepped up to save lives:

 1. Balto the Sled Dog

Balto.
Image credit Ece Chianucci via Shutterstock.

In 1925, this brave Siberian Husky led a dog sled team on the final leg of a treacherous 700-mile journey to deliver lifesaving diphtheria antitoxin to Nome, Alaska. Balto’s heroic run through blizzard conditions saved the town from an epidemic.

 2. Tara the Cat

Outdoor cat.
Image credit TheCats via Shutterstock.

When a neighbor’s dog attacked her 4-year-old human, this fearless feline sprang into action. Tara body-slammed the much larger dog and chased it away, saving the young boy from serious injury.

 3. Roselle the Guide Dog

Person petting dog.
Image credit Jaromir Chalabala via Shutterstock.

On September 11, 2001, this yellow Labrador guided her blind owner Michael Hingson down 78 floors of the World Trade Center to safety, navigating through smoke, debris and chaos.

 4. Pudding the Diabetes-Detecting Cat

Cat.
Image credit Magui RF via Shutterstock.

Just hours after being adopted, this 21-pound cat saved his new owner’s life by alerting her to a diabetic seizure in the middle of the night. Pudding jumped on her chest and bit her nose to wake her up.

 5. Haus the Snake-Fighting German Shepherd

German Shepherd.
Image credit Bildagentur Zoonar GmbH via Shutterstock.

When a venomous rattlesnake threatened his 7-year-old human, Haus didn’t hesitate to put himself between them. He was bitten three times protecting the little girl but thankfully recovered after treatment.

 6. Smudge the Bully-Chasing Cat

cat.
Image credit hamza241 via Shutterstock.

This protective kitty chased off a group of bullies who were harassing his young human owner in the backyard. Smudge’s fierce hissing and charging sent the mean kids running.

 7. Major the 911-Calling Dog

Major.
Image via Facebook.

When his owner had a seizure, this clever canine grabbed the cell phone from his pocket and repeatedly dialed 911 until help arrived. Major’s persistence saved his human’s life.

 8. Tom the Cancer-Detecting Cat

Cat sleeping on person's lap.
Image credit larisa Stefanjuk via Shutterstock.

After 20 years of aloofness, Tom suddenly became very affectionate towards his owner, repeatedly pawing at her neck. This unusual behavior led to the discovery of a cancerous lump that was treated early.

 9. Eve the Wheelchair-Pulling Rottweiler

Rottweiler.
Image credit Francine parent via Shutterstock.

When her owner with paraplegia was trapped in a burning van, 104-pound Eve grabbed her by the leg and pulled her to safety moments before the vehicle exploded.

 10. Masha the Baby-Saving Cat

russian blue cat.
Image credit kot1k87 via Shutterstock.

This heroic Russian cat climbed into a box with an abandoned baby, using her body heat to keep the infant warm in freezing temperatures. Masha’s loud meows also alerted neighbors who rescued the child.

11. Lulu the Pig

pot bellied pig.
Image credit AdaCo via Shutterstock.

In 1998, a pot-bellied pig named Lulu saved her owner’s life in Pennsylvania. When Jo Ann Altsman had a heart attack, Lulu ran out of the house and laid down in the road to stop traffic. She led a driver back to the house, where they found Jo Ann in distress and called for help.

These incredible stories show that our furry friends are capable of extraordinary acts of bravery and loyalty. Whether canine or feline, these animal heroes prove that pets can truly save lives.

The Incredible Journeys of Dogs and Cats: Tales of Long-Distance Homecomings

black dog close up in woods
Photo credit annegeierphotos via Canva Pro

Did you ever read the book or see the movie, The Incredible Journey? The 1961 novel, by Scottish writer Sheila Burnford, follows the adventure of Luath the Labrador Retriever, Bodger the Bull Terrier, and Tao the Siamese cat as they journey 300 miles through the Canadian wilderness to return to their home. Having grown up with Bull Terriers, I was entranced with the story. Did you know there are real instances of dogs and cats finding their way home across long distances?

READ: The Incredible Journeys of Dogs and Cats: Tales of Long-Distance Homecomings

How To Protect Your Dog From Heat Stroke This Summer And What NOT To Do!

Davey the dog in kiddie pool.
Photo credit Elizebeth Spain.

Summer is here and it’s essential to prioritize your dog’s safety and well-being by taking proactive steps to prevent overheating. Dogs are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses due to their inability to sweat like humans, making it crucial for pet owners to be aware of the signs, prevention methods, and emergency procedures to ensure their dog stays cool and healthy. In the most serious cases of canine dehydration, severe fluid shortage can lead to the failure of the kidneys and other organs.

In addition, we keep seeing posts, on Facebook in particular, that have incorrect, and even dangerous information. All of the information here is evidence-based.

READ: How To Protect Your Dog From Heat Stroke This Summer And What NOT To Do!

How Many Of These Foods Did You Know Could Kill Your Dog?

Dog with poisonous foods.
Image credit Monika Wisniewska via Shutterstock.

Our canine companions bring immense joy into our lives, and it’s our duty to ensure their well-being. However, certain everyday foods found in our homes can pose serious risks to their health. Here’s a look at foods that should never be fed to dogs or left within their reach.

To be prepared, have contact details of your local veterinarian, the nearest emergency clinic, and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) at hand. READ: How Many Of These Foods Did You Know Could Kill Your Dog?

Understanding The Surge In Veterinary Costs: Is It Becoming Too Expensive To Have A Pet?

Vet, woman and dog.
Image credit SeventyFour via Shutterstock.

If you own a pet, we bet you have noticed that veterinary care costs are escalating, leaving many of us with sticker shock and struggling to secure timely appointments. There are reasons for this burgeoning phenomenon; we unveil the many factors steering this surge. Read: Understanding The Surge In Veterinary Costs: Is It Becoming Too Expensive To Have A Pet?

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Author

  • Robin Jaffin

    As the co-founder and managing partner of the digital media partnership Shift Works Partners, LLC through two online media brands, FODMAP Everyday® and The Queen Zone she has played a pivotal role in promoting dietary solutions for individuals with specific needs in the health and wellness industry as well as amplify the voices and experiences of women worldwide.

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