Man's Best Friend: 10 Tales of Heroic Dogs

Shana

Eve and Norman Fertig, both 81, were in a forest sanctuary near their home when they were caught in a surprise snowstorm. Stuck in the harsh elements without a coat or gloves, the couple was trapped among felled trees. Luckily Shana, their 160-pound Timber Wolf/German Shepherd mix, dug a 20-foot tunnel through the snow to their home and literally dragged them back. Once inside, with no electricity or heat, the pooch proceeded to lay next to them acting as a canine heater until the fire department arrived the next morning.

War Dogs

"War Dogs" are the unsung heroes of the military, serving without complaint. According to the Defense Department, there are about 2,700 dogs serving in the military worldwide. They are used on patrols, to find explosives, drugs, and missing people and are credited with saving the lives of thousands. In the past, most war dogs were euthanized after their tour of duty, but in 2000 President Clinton signed a law allowing them to be adopted so this no longer happens. Unfortunately, war dogs are still considered "equipment" so it's up to adoptees or individual military units to bear the cost of transportation. Still, it's nice that our canine war heroes have a chance to live a regular life after they are done saving so many of them.

River

Michelle and Kaylee Lynch (ages 7 and 2) were on their way to a backyard swing set when a brown snake - one of the world's deadliest - appeared in their path. But their dog, River, a cattle dog mix, burst out and killed the snake. Twelve hours later, River became nearly paralyzed and the family realized River had been bitten. They rushed her to the vet and we're happy to say she recuperated.

Eve

In another example of a dog pulling its owner from danger, a Rottweiler named Eve pulled her paraplegic owner out of a burning truck before the thing literally blew up. Firemen put out the blaze and Eve was awarded the American Humane Society's Stillman Award for bravery.

Lilly

Christine Spain, 54, was walking home with her 8-year-old pit bull when she fell unconscious near some railroad tracks like a damsel in distress. As witnessed by the train conductor, the dog pulled at the woman as the train got closer, saving her life. Spain had no injuries, but the pit bull had to have her front leg amputated. Spain, a woman with a history of alcoholism, had Lilly as a therapy dog.

Basso

In 2012, James Epps fell off his roof and onto the concrete - a near 10-foot drop - breaking his hip, pelvis and elbow. He crawled inside his home and then collapsed. His Spinone Italiano hunting dog, however, was trained to bring him his slippers and Epps sent him for the phone, instead. With Basso's assistance, James was able to call for help.

Kiko

In 2010, Jerry Douthett passed out drunk and his Jack Russell terrier ate a large chunk of his big toe. This may sound gross, but Jerry had Type-2 diabetes, and even though his toe was swollen for months, he refused to see a doctor. Jerry thinks the dog saved his life by literally eating the infection. Before the surgery he asked the nurse, "Is there any chance I can get whatever's left of my toe, so I can give it to Kiko as a treat?" (Mail Online). OK, that part is kind of gross, but Kiko definitely deserved some sort of treat.

Mabeline

Mabeline, a Rhodesian Ridgeback mix, was quite the bodyguard. A 17-year-old Florida girl took the shelter dog out for a walk when she was attacked and thrown to the ground. Mabeline didn't take kindly to that kind of behavior and scared the registered sex offender away. The perp learned real quick that Ridgebacks were originally bred to hunt lions. Mabeline has since been adopted.