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LONDON
(UK) — Here's
a story about a dog who really lived up to his name.
"Hero", the four-year-old Golden Retriever, has been credited with saving the
life of a wheelchair-bound man who got stuck in a muddy field
and was unable to move.
Gareth Jones, 36, of Caldicot became
caught in the mud of an isolated field, far away from any human
assistance. Having been confined to a wheelchair after a car
accident in 1995, the quadraplegic (tetraplegic) former soldier has
learned to rely on his trusted service dog and best friend with whom he
shares an extraordinary bond.
"When I got stuck in the mud,
he realized I was in trouble and started pulling on the rope I threw to
him," explains Mr. Jones.
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Assistance dogs like the one shown above
(trained by Canine
Companions for Independence), can open doors and flip light
switches on command. There is even a special command
"jump" that tells the dog to to jump on top of something, i.e. a
grooming table or some elevated surface. Scoop Senior Editor
"Wags" (below) performs that task quite well even without being
told.
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Said Mr. Jones: "I was very, very proud of Hero and I must admit I got quite
emotional."
Today The
Western Mail reports that Hero was honored at the All-Star
Animal Awards in London and given a decoration in outstanding achievement for
his life-saving efforts. The award was presented by Ann
Widdecombe, Member of Parliament for Maidstone and the Weald, to
whom Hero (like any proper, polite pooch) humbly offered his paw in
salutation.
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