The Loyalty of Hero Dogs and K9 Companions

"Dogs do understand people—in many respects they know humans better than other humans do. For example, dogs know that if they forgive a person enough, they belong to that person (and that person belongs to them). This happens without any thought or regard as to whether either party likes it or not. It is a cosmic law called "squatter's rights of the heart."—J. Walker—

...the pit bull is being legislated out of existence to some degree.

Dogs have to be forgiving to live among the frail, fearful and fickle humans. If we pause and take a look behind us, we might find a history that tells us much of a misunderstood breed before we labeled it a monster. For instance, lets look at the Pit Bull Terrier. Previous to WWI, the pit bull terrier was the symbol we Americans imagined when we thought of independent strength and security. The image of the pit bull was used on posters depicting 'Neutrality Without Fear." And Nipper, the RCA corporate logo dog, (as well as a pit bull) was shown listening to phonographic recordings.

Humans revered the pit bull, referring to them as clowns who brought humor to the room:

• "Li'l Rascals" had Petey, a pit bull as a co-star in their very funny movie productions.
• Mostly kind and humble people owned this loyal family beast; Helen Keller, Fred Astaire, James Thurber and John Steinbeck, all owned pit bulls.
• Once in while a roust would occur around a pit bull as when Pete, Theodore Roosevelt's pit bull, tore the britches off of the French ambassador during a social event at the White House. No permanent damage occurred and everyone (including the ambassador) took the incident in good stride.

Today, when we think of the sweet natured pit bull, an entirely different image comes to mind. The many bad press reviews that implicate the pit bull have caused many to fear and miss identify the perpetrators of intense dog attacks. Because of this, the pit bull is being legislated out of existence to some degree. The term, "pit bull or pit bull-like dogs" has come to mean any dog with a large head. This is not a factual representation. Even animal control officers have on several occasions miss identified the pit bull, calling a Boxer and even the wrinkly Chinese Shar-Pei a pit bull. On one occasion the owner of such a set of dogs was required to provide a letter from the veterinarian before convincing officials that his dogs were not pit bulls and didn't require muzzles during their daily walks around the neighborhood.

We humans consider our k9 friends as family members on more than a few occasions. Our dog friends are on to us and are fully aware that they are family without question. Researchers have questioned just how much of a family member our dogs have become by measuring certain social reactions made by humans. One such action has uncovered to what extent humans consider their dog to be family. The research reports that 38% of all dog owners confess to slipping up and calling their spouse by their dog's name. Even more interesting is that 25% of that same group have switched the error around by calling their dog by their spouses name. We girls are more apt to make these mistakes. Could this mean that we find less of a difference between our spouses and our dogs than our counterparts do?

(In case you were wondering, only 11% of pet owners admit to ever calling their children by their dog's name, meaning kids seem to be much more distinguishable than their parents).

"Pluto struggled to stay above the waterline pushing harder and more fatigued toward the dry sand."

_{image by pitbullextreme.com}

Dogs seem to know that they are treated as family members more often than not. The fact that they are correct in this assumption is demonstrated frequently during divorce proceedings. Marriages where a dog is involved, 38% of the court cases included a custody decision because neither party was willing to let go of their furry "dog child." The statistics show that as in human custody battles, judges are more prone to give custody to the woman an astonishing 81% of the time. Giving only 11% visitation rights to their former spouse. Oddly enough, when the unusual incidents where such that the husband was given custody of the canine, the ex was given visitation rights in 83% of the proceedings.

It is estimated that over 1 million Americans have named their dog as beneficiaries in their wills. (the dogs-life is one of bliss and comfort, as it should be)

As a California girl, I have long heard stories about a dog who patrolled the west coast shores of Newport Beach, my old stomping grounds. The story shows the true nature of dogs and the boundless courage they display on our human behalf.

This tale is about a 150-pound Saint Bernard Dog named Prince Pluto. He lived in Newport Beach, California with his owner—Richard Gunther— back in 1931. The two would set out on a daily stroll along the beach shoreline. Prince Pluto would socialize with the sunbathers and those who splashed about in the churning waves while wondering ahead of Richard greeting and enjoying the people.

On this one sunny day, George Mades, a six-year-old splashed and played along the ocean's edge. Managing to saunter off and out of his parents sight, he was surprised by a number of larger waves that grabbed him sweeping his little body towards the deep ocean waters. As George fought the water, thrashing around to stay afloat, Prince Pluto caught sight of him from the shore. It was a split-second before the strong-swimming k9 ran to and into the water. Young George was fighting with everything he had, but the ocean was far to strong for his tiny muscles and took him deeper into its grasp and farther from shore with every tick of the clock. Pluto swam hard and fast and as he got close to George the boy reached out his panicking arms trying to get a grip on the big dog, just missing Pluto as he stretched. As Pluto saw this happen he swiveled his big dog-body around and grabbed a hold of the young swimmers trunks, tightly in his teeth. The dog paddles strong against the current and began swimming toward the shore with George in tow. The boy grabbing and gasping for much needed air managed to scramble onto the back of the paddling canine while Pluto struggled to stay above the waterline pushing harder and more fatigued toward the dry sand. Tired and mostly spent, Pluto pulls himself and George to the land, being greeted by the boys frightened and concerned parents, who it took many tries and a firm tug to pry the terrified boy's fingers from the Saint Bernard's fur.

A splendid tale of dog courage and human frailty, but this may not be the most intriguing part of the story. You see, Prince Pluto had lived this event before—five times before. The big beautiful hero was awarded the title of "official lifeguard of Newport Beach" by the city counsel. He sported a department badge and a safety light on a harness (to protect him from cars in the event he patrolled at night). He also was awarded the Latham Foundation's Gold Medal Award for animal heroism.

Humans again show their fickle nature; as you walk where the sight of Pluto's heroic tale was written, you will find a notice, forgetful of this courageous act, that reads: "No Dogs Permitted On This Beach." How forgetful we humans are...

If you find you want to see where this Newport Beach, California Dog Hero story took place, check out the official Newport Beach site. The site offers you information as to where to stay, what to do and who's-who in the city. You will find all spectrum's of entertainment in Newport Beach; theatre, outdoor events, music, fine dining, casual dining, shopping and anything else you may desire! I sure you will find the town dog- family-friendly, as well as beautiful against the vast coastal backdrop.

Official site address:

http://www.visitnewportbeach.com/

The map above is provided for your convenience.

Learn more about how to join the writing community here on HubPages!