A DOG...

...is the only thing on earth that will love you more than you love yourself."
Josh Billings

Stories of loyalty and faithfulness to man by dogs abound.

A special close relationship between dogs and humans has endured for many centuries, could it be that this is because we share many - if not all - of the same characteristics.

We live in groups, we share shelter, food and many of our leisure pastimes, working frequently mentioned in legends, songs and stories, many dog's courage, steadfastness, and loyalty to man has been proven.

Dogs are highly social animals. This can account for their trainability, playfulness and ability to fit into human households and social situations. Dogs and humans at times co-operate in some of the most effective hunting in the animal world, no one questions that. Dogs fill a variety of roles in human society and are often trained as working dogs.

The most common and perhaps most important role of dogs is as companions. But what of man's loyalty and trust to dogs?

added 10/1/2009

BALTO...

...In 1925, a life-or-death race to rescue the children of Nome, AK, from disease made an international hero of one sled dog - and eventually led to the creation of Alaska's Iditarod sled dog race, the subject of NATURE's SLED DOGS: AN ALASKAN EPIC.

In 1925, sled dogs helped stem a diphtheria outbreak. In January 1925, doctors realized that a potentially deadly diphtheria epidemic was poised to sweep through Nome's young people. The only serum that could stop the outbreak was in Anchorage, nearly a thousand miles away. But the lone aircraft that could quickly deliver the medicine had been dismantled for the winter. In desperation, officials turned to a much lower-tech solution: moving the medicine by sled dog.

Soon, a musher embarked from Anchorage on the first leg of a remarkable dog-sled relay aimed at delivering the needed serum to Nome. More than 20 mushers took part, battling temperatures that rarely rose above 40 degrees below zero Fahrenheit and winds that sometimes blew strong enough to knock over sleds and dogs. Reporters brought news of the race to a world suddenly transfixed by the drama in the far north.

Incredibly, just six days later, on February 2, 1925, Gunner Kaassen drove his heroic dog team into the streets of Nome. In the lead of his team was a husky named Balto, whose furry face soon became known around the world. A year later, in honor of the epic trek, admirers erected a statue of Balto in New York City's Central Park.

Balto became known around the world. Balto was suddenly a world-famous celebrity; for two years after the serum run, the dog and some of his teammates traversed the continental United States as part of a traveling show. After Balto died in 1933, his body was preserved and displayed at Cleveland's Natural History Museum. In 1995, a popular animated movie about Balto was released, adding to his fame.

Long after his death, Balto's popularity lives on. Today, some Alaskan schoolchildren are campaigning to bring Balto back to his home state. The students want his body moved to the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race museum in Wasilla. But Cleveland officials aren't ready to give Balto back, noting he spent more than half his life in their city. There are plans in the works, however, for Balto to return to Alaska as part of a temporary exhibit at the Anchorage Museum of History and Art - a testament to the strength of Balto's memory and a fitting memorial to his indomitable spirit.

Commemorative 1925 Serum Run - The Norman Vaughan Serum Run 25 is a dog team/snow machine journey from Nenana to Nome, a distance of 776 miles (mileage varies due to trail conditions) . The first commemorative race was run in 1997. The reason for this annual trip is two fold. First, it is to commemorate the twenty men and their dog teams who relayed crucial diphtheria serum to Nome, saving countless lives. Second, and more importantly, it is to widen the awareness throughout Alaska of the need for inoculations for every single child.

added 10/1/2009

BAMSE...

...a St. Bernard puppy lived in Honningsvag, Norway with his owners Captain and Mrs Erling Hafto. His character soon became obvious when the youngest of their four children, became seriously ill. Bamse guarded her bedside for twelve days and nights, until the crisis was over
When World War II broke out and the Germans invaded Norway, Captain Hafto took over the command of the minesweeper Thorodd. He signed on Bamse (pronounced Bump-sa) as a crew member.The Thorodd was stationed between Montrose and Dundee, in 1940.

Bamse soon became a morale boosting mascot for all the Free Norwegian Armed Forces during the early days of the war. As a ship's mascot he looked after the crew, especially when they were returning from the many pubs, back onboard after shore leave.

He once saved the life of Lieutenant Commander Nilson who was attacked by a knife-wielding attacker on the docks of Dundee. He was also credited for saving the lives of two sailors who had fallen into the dock.

He soon became known to all the people of the town and even had his own bus-pass, which he wore around his neck. He would always ride on the top deck because he knew dogs were not allowed inside!

Bamse was a PDSA Allied Forces mascot and during the darkest days of the war in 1942, his photograph showing him dressed in a naval cap with the words Royal Norske Marine was used as Christmas and Easter Card illustrations to raise morale.

He was posthumously awarded the PDSA Gold Medal for gallantry and devotion to duty, the equivalent of the George Cross, After serving in the Navy through 1944 with many exploits, the heart of the big dog failed and he died.

In October 2006 a life size bronze statue, sculptured by Alan Herriot was unveiled by HRH Prince Andrew.

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BARRY...

...(1800-1814) was a famous St Bernard that worked as a mountain rescue dog. He lived at the monastery at the Great St Bernard Pass near the Swiss-Italian border and was responsible for saving over 40 lives.

Barry was one of the greatest rescue dogs the world has ever seen, he was an expert rescue dog well versed with the rescue drill derived by the monks at the monastery. The existence of such dogs have been documented in paintings and drawings dating back to 1695, and in written documents at the hospice since 1707.

Amongst his famous rescue adventures there is the story about a young boy who was found stranded on an icy ledge, all covered with thick snow, under an ongoing heavy snowfall. It was not possible for any man to climb that icy ledge, but Barry braving all adversity crawled inch by inch to the injured boy.
As the drill has it, Barry started licking the boy's face to revive him. The boy woke up due to Barry's warm licks. However no monk was able to reach the narrow ledge, so there was no further help coming. The boy wrapped his arms around Barry's strong neck and Barry pulled him carefully from the ledge and brought him to safety.

Barry's original name was 'Bari' (the Bear) in the Swiss German tradition was the name given a large dark coloured dog. In the late 1800s his name was changed to the English sounding "Barry" (Some say it was a part of a plan to encourage English tourism).

The dogs used by the monks at the St Bernard Pass were very different in shape and colour from the present St Bernard dog.
Barry died of old age when he was 14 years old. His body is preserved and on display at the Natural History Museum in Berne, Switzerland.

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BUM...

...a mixture of St Bernard and Spaniel the dog was a stowaway in the steamship Santa Rosa coming ashore in San Diego city in the USA in1886, the dog soon became a fixture of the city, cadging food from all the restaurants along Main Street.
The Americans have a saying for anyone who cadges food and favours from othersŠthey call them 'bummers', so soon the likable dog was named Bum.

Bum's adventures living on the streets of San Diego were varied and many. He soon became well known at a brawler. He won countless victories over the other stray dogs in town and he had even done many cats to death!

In his time in San Diego Bum had lost part of his tail and his right paw. There are conflicting stories of how it happened. One says it came about at Woodhaven Rail Junction of the Long Island Railroad. Bum was sitting by the railtracks, his tail, which was rather long eventually touched the live rail. There was a flash, a bit of smoke, a startled howl and according to one railway man, Bum was transformed into a dancing dervish trying to catch his own tail!

When he calmed down Bum tried to retrieve part of his burnt tail off the line by his right paw, touching the live rail for the second time. This time he lost part of his leg!

The second story says that one day a bulldog tried to take over Bum's territory and Bum objected, and there was a fight on the train tracks as a train approached. The train hit the fighting dogs and Bum lost part of his right paw and some of his tail. The bulldog was killed.

The loss of his paw did not stop the courageous dog, because Bum became so well known in the city of San Diego that he was declared the city's official town dog.

When dog licences were introduced in San Diego Bum was declared exempt, by the City Council and his likeness was printed on dog tax receipts.

When Bum eventually died in November 1898, local children collected pennies to give Bum a proper funeral.

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CRIMEABOB...

...a few years before Greyfriars Bobby began his vigil at the graveside of his master John Grey another terrier named Bob was making a name for himself on the battlefields in the Crimea War (1853-1856).

Bob had started his life as a lowly butchers dog. Apparently, finding his life rather dull, he took to visiting the local Fire Station, because he enjoyed the excitement when the bells rank and the firemen got ready to go out, he decided to join the Fire Brigade.

He took to his new duties with relish, once he dashed into a burning house eventually emerging from the smoking ruin hair singed and blackened carrying a small kitten in his mouth!
Bob wore a brass bound collar, made for him by the admiring fireman in his honour, until the day he died.

Bob also began to visit the local army barracks, fascinated by the sight and sounds of the soldiers of the First Battalion of the Scots Fusiliers at their duties.

Bob eventually decided to join the regiment permanently in the spring of 1853, when they were quartered in Edinburgh Castle. His new military comrades adopted him at once. Bob stuck to his duties like a soldier, falling in with the strict regulations of the service and became famous for this punctuality!

It was the year that he joined the regiment that the Crimea War broke out, and the Scott Fusiliers were ordered to the Crimea and war!

Reports were soon describing the battle of Alma, where the Scots Fusiliers were in the thick of the fighting. Together with the Welsh Guards, they pushed the Russians back again and again winning the battle for Alma.

This was Bob's first action in battle and at roll call after the last fight he was reported as missing. But Bob was not lost.
In the heat of battle, Bob made a flanking march through enemy territory by himself, eventually joining up with the regiment, much later, at Balaclava. Bob had found his way across miles of enemy country in constant danger, safely.
Later it was at the battle of Inkerman, considered a fierce fight that earned Bob a medal. It was for distinguished behaviour and good conduct. Bob also tried to serve his country by chasing loose canon balls and shells!

When the Crimea War ended Bob was stationed with the regiment at the Tower of London. Bob would take his post at the head of the Queens Guard when the Scots Fusiliers carried out ceremonial duties at the Palace.

On the 4th February 1860, Bob, who had survived the Crimea War was run over and killed by a butchers cart, outside Buckingham Palace.

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GANDER...

...Newfoundland dogs are renowned for their friendliness, love of children and for their rescuing abilities.

Since the breed was developed in Newfoundland over a hundred years ago there have been many stories told of Newfoundland's saving passengers from sinking ships and rescuing children in trouble while playing in their favourite swimming holes.

There is one Newfoundland that has shown bravery and loyalty beyond what is commonly credited to the breed. His name is Gander and he gave his live protecting Canadian and other Commonwealth soldiers on the beaches of Hong Kong Island during World War II.

Gander and the Royal Rifles were sent to Hong Kong island in 1941, where they joined other Commonwealth troops to defend the island against attacks by the Japanese.
When the Japanese landed near the Canadian section of the beach, Gander greeted the enemy with threatening barks and attempts at biting their legs. On another occasion as Japanese troops were nearing a group of wounded Canadian soldiers, Gander surprised the enemy by charging them.

For some reason the Japanese were unwilling to shoot the dog - instead they changed their route and the lives of the wounded soldiers were saved. Gander showed his greatest and last act of bravery and loyalty during another Japanese attack. During the battle, and enemy grenade landed near a group of Canadian soldiers, probably out of concern for his friends, Gander grabbed the grenade in his mouth and carried it to where it would do no harm.

Unfortunately the grenade exploded in Gander's mouth, killing him instantly. He had given his life saving the lives of the Canadian soldiers.

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GELERT...

...a massive wolf hound - the story says, a gift to Welsh Prince Llewelyn - he was a gentle and friendly animal, a family pet and guard dog.

One day the Prince went on a hunting trip leaving Gelert to guard his baby son. On his return from the hunt, the Prince found Gelert covered in blood and the cradle empty except for blood stained blankets. The Prince, in a blind rage drew his sword and plunged it into Gelerts' body. Gelert fell mortally wounded, then a faint cry was heard from the blood soaked blankets, it was his baby son safe and well.

As he picked the child up from the craddle he found on the floor behind the craddle a large wolf with his throat torn out.
The Prince's rash deed in killing Gelert in a rage was to haunt him for the rest of his life.

The author George Borrow, visited Beddgelert in 1854 and wrote many stories of wild Wales - including the story of Gelert. About four miles south of Snowden, the grave and monument of Gelert, can be seen in a beautiful meadow just below the precipitous side of Cerrig Llan.

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HACHIKO...

...A Japanese Akita - a breed of dog revered in Japan - used to greet his master Tokyo professor Kidesamur Ueno daily when he arrived at Shibuya railway station in Tokyo city, on his way home in the evening.

When the professor died Hachiko continued to visit the station every evening to greet the train, expecting to meet his master. About a year after Ueno's death, one of his former students spotted Hachiko during his daily vigil, and learned about this remarkable dog. For over nine years the staff and passengers at Shibuya railway station noticed the dogs loyal vigilance.
The student wrote and published several articles about Hachiko's loyalty to his owner.

Eventually national newspapers picked up the story and Hachiko became famous. In 1934, an artist erected a statue of Hachiko at Shibuya Station. The statue was recycled during World War II, but later resurrected by the original artist's son in1948. Another statue of Hachiko stands in his hometown in front of the Odate Station and a third has been erected in front of the Akita Museum in Odate.

The Akita breed is a large, powerful and alert dog, a member of the Spitz family. It gets its name - usually known as Japanese Akita - from the province of Akita on Honshu Island, The breed is a descendant of an ancient breed, with erect ears and tightly curled tail, whose likeness is found carved on early ancient tombs in Japan. Today the Akita dog is used as a police dog.

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JIM...

...The wonder dog, in the town of Marshall, Missouri, the owner of the Ruff Hotel, a man named Sam Van Arsdale, bought an English setter puppy of pure bloodstock, in 1925. He called the pup Jim.

The puppy was placed in a training kennel, where he was to be trained as a hunting dog. Three years later Jim and Sam were walking through some woods when Sam said to Jim, "Come on boy, let's go and sit under a hickory tree". There were many diffferent kinds of trees in the wood, but Jim ran straight to the nearest hickory tree, placing his front paws on it.
Sam was surprised that the dog knew the tree, so he decided to test Jim. "Show me a black oak tree" he said. When Jim ran straight to the nearest black oak tree and put his right paw on it - Sam was amazed. The dog eventually correctly recognised walnut trees, cedar trees, a hazel bush and even a tin can just by the spoken word, easily!

Soon Jim's reputation spread far beyond the small town of Marshall. Jim's feats aroused scientific and medical curiosity. Jim was able to understand written instructions and different languages. Sam said, "All I know is that Jim has the power of doi ng whatever I ask him to do, and there seems to be no limit to his knowledge or ability."

One day some friends persuaded Sam to test Jim further. Could he possibly predict the future? Sam wrote the names of of the horses of the Kentucky Derby - America's famous horse race - on pieces of paper and he laid them on the floor.
He asked Jim to select the horse that would win. It later turned out that Jim had picked the winner!

Although it seemed Jim could predict the outcome of any future event with certainity, Sam Van Arsdale refused to take advantage of any of his dog's knowledge by betting on the results. Jim died in March, 1937.

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OLDDRUM...

...Charles Burden's favourite hound, Old Drum, was shot by neighbour, Leonidas Hornsby, who had sworn to shoot the first dog that came onto his land. That dog was Old Drum.

Charles Burden immediately sued Hornsby for damages, and the trial in 1870, became one of the strangest in America. Burdens lawyer was Senator George Graham Vest. The Supreme Court of Missouri ruled for Burden and awarded him $50 in damages for the loss of his favourite hunting dog.

The final speach by Senator Vest to the jury won the day. "Gentlemen of the Jury: The best friend a man has in this world may turn against him and become his enemy. His son or daughter that he has reared with loving care may prove to be ungrateful.

Those who are nearest and dearest to us, those whom we trust with our happiness and our good name, may become traitors to their faith. The money a man has, he may lose. A man's reputation may be sacrificed in a moment of ill-considered action. . . .[But] The one absolutely unselfish friend that a man can have in this selfish world, the one that never deserts him and the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous is his dog."

This eulogy originated the old saying "A man's best friend is his dog".

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OWNEY...

...The Travelling dog, a stray who joined the American Post Office

A curious story of a mongrel dog that became an icon of the American Post Office, and it has an unexpected ending.
Although the story started over one hundred years ago it is still taught as a local history lesson in American primary schools.
Little known in Britain the saga begins on a cold, blustery evening, late in the autumn of 1888 in Albany, the capitol of New York State. A dog, little more than a puppy, was looking for some warm safe and dry as a shelter for the night.

Passing an open door of the main post office in Albany, the dog crept into the warm atmosphere and noticed the ideal place on top of a pile of soft mailbags where the sleepy dog soon made himself comfortable.

The office was very busy and nobody noticed the small intruder. Dawn was breaking before he was spotted by one of the postal clerks. Finding that the bedraggled dog was friendly and intelligent the clerk took pity on the pup and did not throw him out. Introducing him to the rest of the postal workers, who soon decided to adopt him as a mascot, they cleaned him up and fed him.

It has not been recorded who or why he was named 'Owney' but the records show that the grateful dog was content to stay with the friendly postmen, associating the smell of the mailbags with safety and food.

As Owney's confidence grew he would ride on top of the soft mailbags as they were being transported by cart from Albany post office to the main line station, where the mail was sent all over America. Gradually he realised his duty was to guard the mail and sometimes Owney even boarded the trains travelling with the friendly mail staff on the many trains, who took care of him.

As his absence from the main post office lengthened with the many trips he made, the staff bought him an identification collar marked "Owney, Post Office, Albany, New York."
Eventually it was decided that his many train journeys needed to be recorded, so the Post Office staff at the various stations would attach mailbag tags to Owney's collar. Soon his collar could not take many more tags and with the sheer weight of them the dog could hardly hold up his head!

To lighten the load and make way for more tags when Owney's travels increased, the Postmaster General at the time, John Wannamaker, presented Owney with a special harness-like jacket on which the dog's souvenirs could be more evenly spaced.

Some railway clerks occasionally lightened his load by removing some of the tokens and returning them to the Albany post office for safekeeping. Owney's tag collection was preserved as a record of his many travels, accumulating 1,017 tags, tokens, trinkets and medals during his journeys with the post office mail in his lifetime, all of which were fastened to Owney's jacket at one time or another.

Owney not only travelled with the mail in America because it was recorded that he accompanied mailbags to Canada, Alaska and even Mexico. His longest journey was around the world! Starting from Tacoma, Washington on the 19th August 1895, Owney boarded the steamship Victoria travelling to China then onto Japan. He was sent by registered mail, a special classification had to be created for him - Registered Dog Package!

Leaving Japan Owney sailed to Singapore, through the Suez Canal, then onto Algiers and the Azores, before returning to New York on the British steamer Port Philip.
The postal clerks then sent him back to Tacoma, Washington by train on the 29th December 1895. Hundreds of his friends welcomed him back and it was recorded that he had travelled over 143,000 miles as a Post Office Ambassador in 132 days!
Eventually, in 1897, the Railway Mail Service decided Owney needed a rest as he was getting too old to travel. He had lost the sight of one eye and could only eat soft food and milk. He was sent into retirement back to his original home the Albany post office in New York State.

Apparently, because he had got used to travelling Owney did not like the idea of permanent retirement in one place. In June 1897 he slipped out of the post office and boarded a mail train bound for Toledo, Ohio.

The records become hazy about what actually happened in Toledo. They say he was being shown off to a newspaper reporter as the famous travelling dog when the reporter mistreated the dog in some way.

Owney became angry and bit him! From the ensuing uproar nothing is very clear about what actually happened, except that Owney died from a gunshot wound on 11th July, 1897!

American postal workers donated money for Owney's body to be preserved; the work was done by a Toledo taxidermist. Owney is now part of a fascinating collection of over 16 million items relating to America's postal history at the Smithsonian's National Postal Museum.

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PATSYANN...

...Juneau, the State capitol of Alaska had an offical greeter with a difference!

In 1934 Juneau's Mayor Goldstein dubbed Patsy Ann, a Bull Terrier, as 'official greeter' of the town!

Patsy Ann had been stone deaf from her birth just a year earlier, but somehow she could 'hear' the siren of a ship due to enter port, long before it even was in sight. When this happened she would trot rapidly down to the docks. She was never wrong!

One memorable occasion when information about a ship's arrival had been given out incorrectly and people had started gathering at the wrong dock Patsy Ann stood gazing at the crowd for a long moment, then with a shake of her head she turned and trotted to the correct dock.

Between ships Patsy Ann would make the rounds of her many friends in the town, she had become a fixture in many a bar and hotel lobby. Her image adorned post cards sold in curio shops, and for many visitors to Juneau she became the highlight of their visit. She became even more famous than the most famous dog of that era. . .Rin Tin Tin.

Of no fixed address, Patsy Ann spent most of her nights in the Longshoreman's hall, where she was surround by kindred souls. It was, fitting, that she died there, gently, on March 30 1942.

Fifty years after her death, her statue was commissioned by the 'Friends of Patsy Ann'. Sculptured by Anna Burke Harris the bronze statue was installed on the wharf she knew so well. Each year thundreds of thousands of tourists visit Juenau from cruise ships and are greeted on the dock by Patsy Ann, as she would have in the 1930s.

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RUSWARP...

...Graham Nuttall and his Border Collie dog Ruswarp were inseparable. In January 1990, they bought return rail tickets from Burnley to Llandrindod Wells in where Graham and Ruswarp intended to go walking in the Welsh mountains. They never returned.

Friends and neighbours from his home town raised the alarm in mid January. Searches by police and mountain rescue teams in the Elan Valley and Rhayader found nothing. It was on the 7th April 1990 that David Clarke, a lone walker on a remote Welsh mountain, found the body of Graham Nuttall by a mountain stream nearby was Ruswarp, his faithful Border Collie dog - he had stayed with his master's body for eleven weeks, in wintery conditions. The 14-year-old Collie was so weak he had to be carried off the mountain.

Ruswarp was cared for by local vet Bertie Ellis of Beulah. Coroner Alfons Van Hees recorded an open verdict on the death of Graham. Ruswarp lived just long enough to attend Graham's funeral, having been cared for lovingly by Graham's aunt and uncle, Gerry and Edith Maden of Clowbridge.
There have been similar stories on record of dog's devotion to their masters, but this level of devotion is rare.

A plaque was put up at Burnley railway station and a platform bench was dedicated at Garsdale station on the Settle-Carlisle line (Graham Norton's favourite place). It is hoped that a full size statue of Ruswarp will be errected soon for his bravery'.

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SHEP...

...during the summer of 1936 a shepherd near Fort Benton, Montana, in the west of America, fell ill while tending his flock and was taken to St Clare Hospital in the town.

His sheepdog followed the herder into town and set up a vigil at the hospital's door. One of the hospital's kitchen staff, fed the dog during the few days the man lived. When he died, his family in the East requested that his body be sent back home.
On that August day the undertaker put the body on the eastbound train for his waiting relatives. As the coffin was put on the train, the sheepdog appeared out of nowhere and watched anxiously.

Attendants recalled the dog whined as the carriage door was slammed shut and the engine slowly pulled the train away from the station. Head down the dog turned and followed the train, trotting down on the tracks, until it developed speed faster than he could keep up.

From that day the dog, later named Shep, began a five and a half year vigil waiting for the train to return, broken only by his own death. Day after day Shep met four scheduled passenger trains eyeing every passenger, waiting for the return of his master he became a fixture on the platform.

As Shep's behaviour was noticed, he became famous, and people came from everywhere to see him, to photograph him and to try and make friends and possibly adopt him. But Shep was a one-man's dogŠthe bond he had formed with the herder many years before was simply the most important thing in his life.

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SMOKEY...

...The smallest hero, perhaps this is the most famous Yorkshire Terrier, a four pound, seven inch high Yorkie that was found by a soldier abandoned in a jungle foxhole in New Guinea early in 1944, during World War Two.

Corporal William A. Wynne was serving with the 5th Air Force, 26th Photo Recon Squadron as an air photographer. The corporal named the Yorkie, Smokey. For two years Smokey accompanied Corporal Wynne on combat flights in the Pacific, she spent long hours dangling in a soldier's pack near the machine guns used to ward off enemy fighters.

Back on the ground she slept in Wynnes's tent on a blanket made from green felt table covering. She shared Wynne's C-rations with an occasional can of Spam.

In their free time Smoky and Bill learned numerous tricks, which she performed for the amusement of the troops.
Early on one campaign the Signal Corps needed to run a telegraph cable through a 70 foot long pipe that was just eight inches in diameter.

Bill Wynne said, "I tied the wire with a bit of string to Smokey's collar and told her to enter the pipe". Shouting encouragement through the pipe from the other end after Smokey had tentively entered it Bill eventually said Smokey emerged from the pipe with the wire still attached.

Smokey's work of bringing the telegraph cable through the pipe prevented the need to move 40 fighter planes while a construction crew dug up the runway, taking three days to do the job which Smokey did in a few minutes.
Smokey's work as a therapy dog, comforting wounded soldiers continued for 12 years during and after the war ended.

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SWANSEAJACK...

...a black retriever born in 1930, lived in the North Dock / River Tawe area of Swansea with his master, William Thomas.
Jack would always respond to cries for help from the water, diving into the water and pulling whoever was in difficulty to safety at the dockside.

His first rescue in June 1931, when he saved a 12-year-old boy, went unreported. But a few weeks later, this time in front of a crowd, Jack rescued a swimmer from the docks. His photograph appeared in the local paper and the local council awarded him a silver collar. In 1936, he had the prestigious 'Bravest Dog of the Year' award bestowed upon him by the 'Star' newspaper.

He received a silver cup from the Lord Mayor of London and he is still the only dog to have been awarded TWO bronze medals ('the canine V.C.') by the National Canine Defence League now known as the Dogs Trust. Legend has it that in his lifetime he saved 27 people from the Docks / River Tawe.
Sadly, in October 1937, Swansea Jack died after eating rat poison. His burial monument, paid for by public subscription, is located on the Promenade in Swansea near St. Helen's Rugby Ground.

In 2000, New Found Friends of Bristol who train domestic dogs in aquatic rescue techniques named Swansea Jack 'Dog of the year'.

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TUCKERBOX...

...The origins of this story comes from Australian bushlore, it is even more bizarre than usual.

For instance there is no mention of the breed of dog, or even a name - just 'the dog on the tuckerbox!', or more simply 'the dog'.
In about 1824 the trail around the Murrumbidgee River, was opened up for prospectors and cattle drovers. Times were hard and hazardous, with all supplies having to be manhandled along the makeshift track, which was over very rough virgin terrain.

Lumbering bullock carts with handlers called Teamsters, but which in Australian slang is 'Bullocky's', were the main means of transport. In those days a dog usually accompanied each wagon, acting as a guard to its masters meagre possession, especially the tuckerbox.

To pass time during rest periods the men would sing songs and tell tales about their exploits, making up doggerel verse and rhymes. It was at a halt on a river creek just north of Gundagai the legend of the The Dog on the Tuckerbox was born, in about 1850.

A bush yarn told of the hardship of a Bullocky, bogged down in mud, having a great deal of trouble, generaly fed-up, with the last straw being when his dog sat in, not on, his tuckerbox, ruining his change of a decent evening meal!

The legend of The Dog on the Tuckerbox was eventually immortalised by Jack O'Hagen with his popular song that extolled the spirit of the early pioneers with their dogs, who endured hardship and peril to ensure Australia's future, which also put the town of Gundagai, nestling at the foot of Mount Parnassus in the Murrumbidgee Valley on the world map.

A statue of the dog on the tuckerbox guarding his msters food, the very image of loyalty, was produced with funds from the townspeople, to commemorate the pioneers of the last century.

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