There is so much sadness in the news or news that sets ones teeth on edge with frustration. These stories have been gathered from newspapers across the country, extraordinary dogs doing extraordinary things and leading extraordinary lives.
Phoenix, AZ
A scruffy looking, possible Bichon Friese mix, wandered into a major league ball park to check out the action. Several team employees of the Milwaukee Brewers took a shine to the beleaguered little mutt, had him vetted (turns out the mix is two years old and relatively healthy, healing from being hit by a car and a tail injury.) He has been named Hank (after Hank Aaron), became the team mascot, has his own jersey, chases fly balls and has been adopted by the Wronski family. Marti Wronski is the Brewers’ Vice President and general counsel. There are several articles pertaining to Hank the Dog on the internet and what the Brewers are doing to give back to local and Arizona animal shelters.
Boston, MA
A Black Labrador named Catie, was close to completing her training as a guide dog for the blind, when she developed eye problems of her own. The eye problems do not affect her daily routine, but does put a damper on being a guide dog. Realizing the predicament this smart girl was in, the training center qualified her as a career change dog. The Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel was looking for a homier feel to their establishment. What’s more homey than having a dog greet patrons as they walk through the doors? The hotel adopted Catie to greet customers. She has become so popular there are now Catie stuffed animals and books on about her adventures located in the hotel gift shop, which is her favorite place to hang out.
East Harlem, NY
A tri-colored Shepherd mix concerned commuters and engineers alike as she raced the trains at the 125th street station in Manhattan. Half a dozen trains were scheduled to come in on the rails this care free dog was running on. Warnings were sent out to the engineers to slow down until the dog is removed from the tracks. Beside the risk of being hit, another concern was the third rail that the dog managed to avoid. It contained 700 volts of electricity. The dog was eventually stopped, running straight into the arms of two railway workers. The dog has been named “Tie” by the workers. Tie is residing at a local animal shelter while owners are trying to be located. The MTA Officer who Tie chose to run to is hoping to adopt the dog himself.
San Diego, CA
In 2005, John Hartman and his wife made the decision to have their seven month old black Lab, Buddy, microchipped. The choice was made after the puppy ran away. In 2007 San Diego was swept by wild fires. Not sure what happened to the pup, the Hartman’s mourned the loss of their dog and eventually moved to Oklahoma. Fast forward seven years, the Hartman’s are back in Southern California visiting family when they got a phone call from the local humane society. Buddy had been found. His microchip listed the Hartman’s information and a family was reunited.
Missoula, MT
A University student was out hiking with her two dogs, both Shepherd mixes, when a moose came out of nowhere, charging them at full speed. Her first instinct was to run, but the dogs were standing their ground barking. The first dog was head butted in the ribs, the other dog stood between the owner and the moose and sank his teeth into the snout of the moose. It was enough to get the moose to run away, but not before kicking the biter in the head. Thankfully both dogs will make full recoveries. The student was grateful to have her protectors with her that day.
Dogs are truly remarkable creatures.
There is so much sadness in the news or news that sets ones teeth on edge with frustration. These stories have been gathered from newspapers across the country, extraordinary dogs doing extraordinary things and leading extraordinary lives.
