It’s no secret that humans absolutely love dogs. From their soft little noses to their ever-wagging tails, dogs are truly amazing animals. However, some dogs are more than housepets. Some dogs are heroes. Dogs work to save lives every single day, whether that be by helping locate victims in the wake of a disaster, or simply providing a friendly face to someone in a time of crisis. These are some of the most heroic dogs of 2023 so far, proving that dogs can be more than just cuddly housepets.
Proteo
Proteo was a member of Mexico’s elite search and rescue dog team, and was sent to Turkey and Syria in the wake of the massive earthquake that reduced entire cities to rubble. He worked hard to save the lives of many people, but was ultimately trapped under a fallen building and unfortunately couldn’t be saved. Thousands of people took to social media to send their condolences to Proteo’s handlers, and the Mexican military held a special funeral service for him. Proteo sacrificed his life to help save those in crisis, making him the most heroic dog of 2023.
Stanford
Stanford was taken in by the Smith County Animal Shelter and became a blood donor, donating enough to save another dog in critical condition at the shelter’s emergency clinic. However, despite his hero status, Stanford was still slated for euthanasia due to the shelter’s overpopulation of dogs. After a local news station put out a statement, a charity called Let Love Live stepped in and saved Stanford and three other dogs from euthanasia, instead bringing them to their own no kill shelter. The latest update on Stanford reported that he is doing very well at the shelter and loves playing with the other dogs, but is well on his way to finding a permanent home.
Isla
When the Keswick mountain rescue team got a call about a lost couple and their dog, they decided to bring Isla, a search and rescue dog, along on the case. With Keswick mountain being the tallest mountain in England, it was unlikely that the missing people would be found. However, during the search, Isla began sprinting off the path. When the search team followed her, they found the two people and their dog alive, stuck at the bottom of a crevasse that the team otherwise would not have seen. If it wasn’t for Isla, it was unlikely that they ever would have been found.
Bodhi
Bodhi plays a very important role at the Denver District Attorney’s Office as the court’s emotional support dog. As witnesses, victims, and family members take the stand to recount often difficult or traumatic memories, Bodhi is lying underneath the stand, there to offer some comfort during the course of the trial. During complicated court cases, Bodhi offers a friendly face and a bit of comfort to people who may be struggling after a terrifying event.
Killian
Killian is part of the Swedish search and rescue dog team, and was also sent to Turkey and Syria following the recent earthquake. Swedish media reports that Killian has saved the lives of at least 17 people trapped under debris by catching their scent and alerting the rescue teams. A truly remarkable feat for a remarkable dog.
Blue
Blue belongs to a large family who live in a multi family home in Detroit, Michigan. When a fire broke out in the unit below his family’s and began spreading upwards, only three people were in the house. Two of them got out, but a one year old baby was left inside the burning house. Blue stayed by her side the whole time, protecting her from the flames and barking to alert firefighters to their location. Everyone, including Blue and the baby, got out safely, and it’s all thanks to one very loyal pet.
Lumpi
Lumpi has been a therapy dog at Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse, New York for the past ten years, and he finally retired on March 9. Some of the staff threw him a going away party that was downright adorable, and gifted Lumpi with collages of all the patients he made smile during his time at the hospital. Lumpi is truly the life of the party, and will finally get to rest in his retirement, forever holding the title of hero.
