Heroic "Pit Bulls" Page 2

Heroic American pit bull terriers & pit bull-types

Chief a four yr old APBT owned by Marlon Fronteras became a hero the day he saved his master’s wife and mother-in-law from a killer Philippine Cobra. It was February 12, 2007 in Lapasan, Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines (a “Pit Bull” Restricted Area) The cobra entered the family’s house then traveled into the kitchen where it encountered Maria Fronteras. She screamed when she found herself in a terrifying position of helplessness as the deadly snake moved toward her. Chief quicky responded to Maria’s scream by running in to investigate. The dog took hold of the snake in his jaws and during the struggled with the poisonous snake he was bitten on the left side of his face. Chief was unstoppable, He managed to kill the snake but unfortunately the bite to his face was fatal. It was only moments after the event took place before Chief was gone. His family will miss their cherished pet and hero.

Weela was an amazing APBT. Like so many other “Pit Bulls”, Weela was found abandoned in an alley along with her littermates at just four weeks old. The Watkins family discovered the pups and saved them from what would have been an unfortunate ending. One day while 11 year-old Gary Watkins was playing in the garden Weela charged across the yard and knocked the boy from where he was standing. Gary’s mother was completely stunned by her odd behavior, but within seconds Weela was bit by a rattlesnake on her face. Gary was safe thanks to Weela, who made a full recovery from the snake bite. Weela went on to receive the Ken-L Ration’s Dog Hero of the year in 1993 after her unbelievable rescue of 30 people, 29 dogs, 13 horses and 1 cat during heavy floods in southern California. This dog is amazing and yet Reader's Digest wrote a story on her heroic acts yet REFUSED to include that Weela is an American Pit Bull Terrier in the article. Unbelievable!

Chevy saved the day! Pit Bull owner Mandy Holmes wants everyone to know that a Pit Bull saved her life on February 15th! The Cobourg, Ontario woman said her 10-month-old puppy, a chocolate-colored American Staffordshire terrier named Chevy is her hero. Holmes, who had been sick with the flu, passed out hitting her head which sent her into convulsions. Chevy responded with quick thinking, when she ran upstairs to alert Ms. Holmes’ boyfriend, Jeremy Kelly. The dog ran back to her owner’s aid just as fast. While Kelly called 911 Chevy sat on her unconscious owner’s back and continuously licked her face until she woke up. Holmes was taken by ambulance to a local hospital where she was released a few hours later with a big bump on her forehead and a possible concussion but no serious injuries. Lucky for her Ontario allows American Staffordshire Terriers otherwise this story may have had an unhappy ending.

Missy became a hero in November 2003. Anthony Romaro a 7 yr. old Coral Springs boy was attacked by two Akitas weighing 100lb each after they escaped from their home on Anthony’s block. Ironically a dog often feared by many for its “vicious” tendencies came to the rescue. Missy a 2 yr old “Pit Bull” pulled the two Akitas off of the helpless child after several struggles during a 15-minute span. Missy’s owner Scott witnessed the attack outside his home. After many failed attempts to remove the Akitas from the boy he decided to let his “Pit Bull” out. This was a decision that may have saved Anthony’s life. Unfortunately the large, powerful dogs ripped much of Anthony's left ear off and bit into his skull before Missy was able to fight them off. Missy suffered minor scrapes and cuts on her shoulders and buttocks, received a few stitches, and is back home with her proud owner Scott. Anthony recovered after surgery at Coral Springs Medical Center. Stephanie McGuire, Anthony’s mother is very grateful that her son survived thanks to a dog that many might consider a threat.

Norton passed the ultimate temperament test when he rescued his owner by getting help after she suffered a severe, deadly allergic reaction. Norton was a 5 year old American Staffordshire Terrier owned by Ann Mathews. Ann’s throat began to close after being bit by a spider early morning on September 23, 1997. She could not speak or yell for help as the poison caused her throat to constrict immediately. She was choking to death on the floor while her husband Barrie slept in the same house. Norton sensed the emergency even from behind the closed door of the bedroom; he woke up Barrie who quickly called paramedics. After 2 days in intensive care, Ann recovered and believes she owes her life to Norton. In 1999 Norton was inducted into the Purina Animal Heroes Hall of Fame. Though Ann’s home town (Ontario, Canada) restricts “Pit Bulls”, they allow pedigreed American Staffordshire Terriers. I bet Ann is happy about that.

Shasta(Shown To The Right) is a Certified Service Dog (specializing in physical aid/alert & response/PSD/mobility) living in London, Ontario, Canada. This is her story: During 1994 A horrible accident breaks a young mother’s neck. Chronic pain from her injury leaves her disabled, unemployed and unable to carry out her regular household duties as a mother and wife. Even surgery would not relieve the pain caused by permanent nerve damage to her spine. Years of chronic pain turns Conners into a total recluse leading to severe social anxiety and a manic depression among other psychiatric phobias. Eventually her children grow up and her husband grows tired of the difficulties now surrounding their once happy relationship. Faced with a harsh reality she moves out on her own with only her loving dog Shasta by her side.

Unsure of what lies ahead, Conners reluctantly attempts to re-claim her independence. Little by little, day, by day, Shasta helps her fragile owner overcome many of her debilitating phobias. Just a few steps outside the house each day is like an amazing journey. Quick interactions with strangers on the street slowly help to build up Conners confidence and melt away her severely overwhelming social anxiety. As Shasta begins to repair Conners fragile emotional state, talks of BSL stir in Ontario. Would she lose her dog, her life-saving companion to an unjust legislation? Shasta’s future suddenly became unknown because she is an American Pit Bull Terrier. In most cases dogs like her are euthanized when BSL is enacted, not because they are dangerous dogs, but because they fit the description of a “dangerous breed” by legislator standards.

Fortunately, due to Shasta’s amazing ability to rehabilitate her sick owner and assist with difficult daily tasks, she was tested and certified as a “restricted breed” service dog in 2006. Her certification protects Shasta from the death sentence often carried out by cruel regulations of BSL. It also ensures Shasta’s freedom to live with her companion Conners until the end. Ontario enacted BSL as of October, 28, 2005 therefore Shasta must wear a muzzle in public (as seen in the photo), which prevents her from doing some of her duties as a certified PSD (Psychiatric Service Dog). One of the important duties of a PSD is to alert and respond to high anxiety levels in order to reduce severe symptoms from panic attacks, like fainting which can lead to bodily injury. Though Shasta must be muzzled in public, she is still a wonderfully, skilled service dog. This touching story is proof that knowledge really is power and if you legally fight for what you believe then anything is possible. (Visit Connors website: Defend-a-Bull.com)
By: Victoria SPinella

“Buddy 2000” woke up his owner Barbara Tollison in the middle of the night in July of 2000 after smelling smoke in the house. Tollison quickly jumped out of bed and yelled out to her sister Jane who was asleep in the guest bedroom. Buddy and Tollison made it out but Jane did not follow as planned. Tollison ran back into the burning house as Buddy followed. Jane yelled for help but she could not find her way through the thick, black smoke. Buddy ran to the bedroom and lead Jane out of the smoky room toward the front door. Everyone made it out safely thanks to Buddy, a courageous stray Pit Bull Terrier mix who unexpectedly showed up on Barbara Tollison’s doorstep one day. Buddy was renamed “Buddy 2000” for his extraordinary courage that night.

Blueberry is another courageous APBT. This heroic dog protected her owner from two armed attackers after they broke into the home. The fearless canine pounced on the intruders as they opened fire, Blueberry’s legs and jaw were broken as a result but she did not give up until the intruders fled her home. Blueberry risked her own life as well as the lives of her unborn puppies to protect her beloved owner. Fortunately, veterinarians at Perdue University were able to patch up Blueberry’s injuries and thankfully she will be just fine, they also believe her unborn puppies are going to be born healthy as well.