As any dog owner can tell you, the loyalty between them and their four-legged friend goes both ways. While the pup relies on us to provide food, care, fun, and (of course) plenty of belly rubs, dogs have also proven to be just as loving and protective of their human family members time and time again.
It's just part of their nature to instinctively sniff out trouble and keep those they care about out of harm's way. More than just being an endearing quality about the silly animals, as you can see in the examples below, their bravery can literally save a loved one's life.
That's exactly what countless military servicemen and women rely on while in the field with their fluffy fellow fighters, but there are plenty of other dangers found outside of combat zones.
Scroll through to see just how these courageous canines earned the title "hero" from their thankful human friends.
Have you seen or heard any other stories about a fearless dog? Let us know in the comments and be sure to SHARE with your loved ones!
1. Droggie Takes On An Attacker
While on a walk with his owner and owner's mom, Droggie selflessly put himself between his beloved humans and an attacker who was wielding a screwdriver against them.
Though the assailant did manage to get a few slashes in, the damage was minimal and authorities were ultimately able to apprehend the man thanks to Droggie's defense maneuvers.
2. Lily Risks Life And Limb
Brave pit bull Lily lost her front leg when her owner's mom fainted while out on a walk with her son near train tracks.
The pup managed to act fast and pull the woman to safety despite enduring pain of her own.
3. Togo Makes A Fearless Journey
As one of the sled dogs who inspired the animated movie Balto, Togo led the most treacherous part of a mission that saved his human family and hundreds of lives in Nome, AK, when folks were suffering from a diphtheria epidemic.
The pup and his pals traveled through ice storms to retrieve the anecdote.
4. Figo Stops A Bus
Audrey Stone, who is legally blind, relied on her sweet boy's keen sight when a mini-school bus came barreling down a busy road near her home. She was seconds away from being squished when Figo jumped in front of her, fully prepared to give his own life to save hers.
Luckily, his injuries weren't too extensive and the two were reunited after he received the necessary care.
5. Haus Fends Off A Rattlesnake
Haus was playing with 7-year-old Molly at her grandmother's house when he began jumping around and acting frantic. When Molly's mom walked out to see what all the commotion was, she saw Haus standing between her daughter and an eastern diamondback rattlesnake — the most venomous snake in North America.
The pup allowed the snake to bite him several times in order to shield the young girl and was quickly taken for treatment, making a full recovery.
6. Bonnie Helps Her Hiking Buddy
Dina Wuest was camping at New Zealand’s Tararua Ranges with her pup when the pair decided to go on a hike. While high up in the cliffs, Wuest took a nasty fall and broke her leg, but Bonnie made sure to carefully slink over to her human and provide the cell phone stashed in her vest so she could call for help.
She then snuggled up with her and kept Wuest cozy while they waited on assistance.
7. Hook Acts As A Hearing Aid
After the petite Chihuahua and Jack Russell mix's attempts to warn his hearing-impaired human, Joyce, of a train inching closer to their path by jumping and tugging at her clothes and his leash, the small-fry finally managed to physically pull the woman from the danger with seconds to spare.
As soon as she saw the train fly by, she knew exactly how lucky she was to have Hook by her side.
8. Khan Tosses A Toddler To Safety
17-month-old Charlotte's mom was horrified when she looked out the window to see her family's doberman flinging her little girl across the backyard by her diaper one afternoon, but soon realized he was protecting her from a a king brown snake.
He was bitten in his paw, but was able to recover from the venom which would have likely been fatal for the young girl.
9. Killian Tattles On The Babysitter
Parents Benjamin and Hope noticed Killian acting strange every time they left their young son, Finn, with his babysitter.
The pup had become more protective since hiring the caretaker and, after leaving a phone to record her actions with Finn one day, they discovered the reason when they heard her being physically and emotionally abusive to the boy, slapping him and yelling vulgarities, despite having run a background check on the woman.
10. Bailey Sniffs Out Flames
Randy Bova was home by himself and listening to music in his bedroom when he saw his dog rush into his room. She was behaving so strangely that he decided to head downstairs and see what was causing her commotion and found the first floor in flames.
The entire house and their belongings were lost, but Randy and his loyal pup were able to make it out safely thanks to her.
11. Leon Steps Right In
When men wearing masks broke into a couple's home, Leon didn't hesitate to put himself between the intruders and his owners, barking and lunging at the intruders before receiving a gun shot to the head.
The men quickly ran away and Leon's owners rushed him to emergency care where, by some miracle, he was able to make a full recovery from the traumatic event.
Have you heard about any other heroic canines? Let us know below and be sure to SHARE with your friends!
