Old but still needed
These two stories are not overly dramatic, just examples that embodies that special relationship between us and our elderly family pet who we take so much for granted
Max
Blue Heeler
When British settlers arrived in this hostile and unforgiving country, they discovered that their dogs were not really suited to the conditions, particularly the climate. With trial and error, the Australian Cattle Dog came into being. Its genetic make-up includes a variety of recognised hunting and herding breeds, including collies and terriers, plus the native dingo. The name Blue Heeler alludes to the colour of the coat, as does its cousin, the Red Heeler. In the right home, it can be a great family pet. It is considered highly intelligent, loyal, protective and needs mental stimulation and a great deal of physical exercise. Failure to provide both can invite boredom and, in turn, destructive and anti-social behaviour.
The place was Queensland, Australia, the year was 2018 and one afternoon in April, three-year-old Aurora went missing. The police were informed, and a search was instigated. Two helicopters were used, and over a hundred volunteers joined the emergency service personnel. The Australian outback is not the sort of environment that even an adult wants to be lost in; far less a three-year-old child who must have been terrified. With darkness falling, the family were distraught and unfortunately nobody noticed that the family dog was also missing.
I suppose that, with panic setting in, understandably, the missing canine was not a priority.
Not that he was considered to be of any use anyway, he was 17 years old, rapidly going blind and as deaf as a post. In fact, a seriously senior canine. He was a Blue Heeler and went by the name of Max. The family had no sleep that night, with the weather not helping. It was wet, windy and cold, and Auroa was only wearing thin clothing. The search continued until the child’s grandmother heard her granddaughter’s calling. As she attempted to follow the sounds, who did she see first, yes, the geriatric deaf dog who could barely see beyond the end of his nose. Max led her to where the very unhappy child was waiting to be rescued.
It seems that Max had tracked Aurora and had spent the night curled up beside the frightened child. For fifteen hours Max had not left her side keeping Aurora safe and warm.
The Queensland Police Department named Max as their first-ever honorary police dog.
Gita
In October 2024, Deputy Sheriff Colton Wright was on patrol in Northeast Washington on the Canadian border. The location was rural, and the deputy could hardly fail to notice something unusual. There, sitting in the middle of the road, was a dog, a black and white collie-type dog. Concerned for the animal’s safety, Deputy Wright attempted to coax it into his car unsuccessfully. The stubborn canine refused all his entreaties to enter the police car, and the deputy was left with no choice but to leave the dog and try to find out if anyone could identify the stray. He contacted residents up to a mile away and, having failed to ascertain who owned the dog that chose to sit in the middle of the road, Colton returned to discover the collie still sitting in the same place. Yet again, the dog refused to enter the deputy’s car. Suddenly, it got up and went down a small unmarked track. The deputy followed and found it led to a small summer cabin where a very elderly gentleman had fallen, injuring his leg and had been shouting for help for over six hours without success.
The poor fellow was Keith Johnson, 84 years old, who had some other health issues that required regular medication. Without these, the prospects for the pensioner were not good. Due to his being so immobile and with no assistance nearby, the consequences could have been fatal. It transpired that Mr Johnson had let his dog out and followed her a short distance. He then turned to return home, felt dizzy, fell and broke his hip. The dog stayed by his side for hours, but without assistance, the dog decided to take matters into her own hands. (Or should that be paw!)
The Stevens County Sheriff’s Department issued the following statement: “We credit Gita for saving his life that day. The loyalty and heroism of our furry friends never fail to amaze us.”
And what about the dog? We know that the dog’s name was Gita. She was around 13 years old, and what’s more? You are going to love this part. Gita was not only elderly but also a rescue!!
“Old dogs can be a regal sight. Their exuberance over the years settles into a seasoned nobility, their routines become locked into ours as the quietest and kindest of marriages.”
Gail Caldwell
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