by Ben Holt
TOMMY
Police in Columbus, Ohio, responded to an emergency call from Gary Rosheisen’s address, but were surprised by what they found waiting for them…
Gary Rosheisen was wheelchair-bound and suffered from osteoporosis, as well as occasional mini-strokes that affected his balance. He lived alone in an apartment with his orange-and-tan striped cat, Tommy, who he had got three years previously. The cat was a source of company and comfort to Gary, and seemed to have a calming effect on him, thereby helping to lower his blood pressure.
One Thursday night, Gary fell from his wheelchair and couldn’t get himself back up off the floor. He was equipped with a medical alert necklace to contact paramedics in such an emergency, but on this occasion he wasn’t wearing it, and there was no way he could reach the emergency cord above his pillow. He was stuck.
Shortly after the time of his fall, the police received a 911 call which they traced back to Gary’s apartment – but they couldn’t hear anyone on the end of the line. Thinking it might be a misdial, the police called back to check everything was OK. When no one picked up they prepared to go to the apartment and check on the situation.
Arriving at Gary’s home, the police were greeted with the sight of a cat lying by the telephone on the living room floor.
Then they saw Gary, who was on the ground near his bed. Gary explained to the police that Tommy must have made the 911 call. Officer Patrick Daugherty, who was at the scene, said, ‘I know it sounds kind of weird.’ But there wasn’t any other possible explanation.
Gary had tried to teach Tommy how to dial 911, but until that day he wasn’t sure that his training had sunk in.
Gary kept his phone on the living room floor – it only had 12 small buttons, including a speed dial for 911 just above the speaker-phone button. So it would have been fairly easy for Tommy to press the right button with his paw when he saw his owner was in trouble. ‘He’s my hero,’ Gary said.
MANDY
When an elderly man was injured while out alone on his farm in a remote area, he knew he had a fight for survival on his hands…
On 8 October 2002, Noel Osborne, 78, was at work out on his farm in a remote area near Benalla, Australia, when a cow knocked him over. He fell hard and his hip was broken, leaving him unable to move. He called out for help but there was no one for miles around: he was alone.
For several frightening days and nights Noel was stuck outside in an open field, exposed to the elements. The days were hot but the nights were bitterly cold, and at certain times storms broke overhead. Noel would never have survived the terrible ordeal if it wasn’t for his pet nanny goat, Mandy, and his loyal border collie, also named Mandy, strangely enough.
On the first evening the nanny goat turned up and approached him. He managed to reach for an old bottle and Mandy allowed him to milk her. The milk provided vital sustenance, and during the night both the goat and the dog snuggled down either side of him to keep him warm.
After five long days, some friends happened to call in to pick up a kid goat from Noel’s farm and found him lying on the ground, weak and delirious but thankful to be alive. An ambulance rushed him to Benalla District Memorial Hospital for treatment, but if it hadn’t been for his loyal four-legged friends he would have been heading to the mortuary instead.
OUR CHILDHOOD HEROES
The concept of the animal hero has always captured the imaginations and hearts of children, and many of us have grown up with books, television programmes and films that centred on animal protagonists. Here is a trip down memory lane, remembering just some of those all-time favourite animal heroes...
• BLACK BEAUTY – the 1877 novel Black Beauty by Anna Sewell is one of the best-selling books of all time, with 50 million copies sold. It spoke forthrightly about animal welfare and the importance of treating one another with kindness and respect. But it was perhaps the 1970s TV series The Adventures of Black Beauty – a continuation of the story written by Sewell (along with its unforgettable theme tune ‘Galloping Home’ by Dennis King) – that brought Black Beauty to life for many children, who thrilled at tales of how the brave horse helped to catch criminals and fetch help for people in distress.
• FLIPPER – Flipper the dolphin featured first in the eponymously titled 1963 film, then in the subsequent TV series and several other sequel films. Sandy Ricks, who lives in Florida Keys, rescues a dolphin that has been harpooned and the two become inseparable. Flipper’s many heroic achievements include rescuing Sandy from a shark and apprehending thugs and criminals.
• LASSIE – the much-loved fictional collie dog character was first created by Eric Knight in a short story, and subsequently appeared in a novel, several films and the Emmy-winning television series Lassie that aired for 19 years. A recurring theme for the character involved running to fetch help when her master was in trouble or stepping in to fend off a dangerous wild animal.
• OLD YELLER – when Walt Disney released Old Yeller in 1957, based on Fred Gipson’s book of the same name, children and parents alike snuffled into their handkerchiefs at the heart-wrenching tale of poverty-stricken little boy Travis and his best friend, a stray Labrador retriever/ mastiff mix, who saves his master from a wild boar and defends the family from a rabid marauding wolf, at the cost of his own life.
• SKIPPY – Skippy the Bush Kangaroo was a 1960s TV series that achieved international success, bringing the adventures of Sonny Hammond and his friend Skippy, a female Eastern grey kangaroo, into the homes of many delighted children worldwide – except in Sweden, where it was banned because psychologists believed it would mislead children into thinking animals could do things that they cannot. Skippy’s exploits on the show included running to get help when Sonny found an injured man, leaping to the rescue when Sonny was held at gunpoint and releasing a grappling hook that got caught around a tree as it was being lowered from a helicopter to lift a car off a man.
Did you know…
… that in the TV series Lassie, although the character was female she was usually played by a male dog, because they retain thicker summer coats than female collies, which of course looked better on television?
‘Master said, God had given men reason, by which they could find out things for themselves; but He gave animals knowledge... which was much more prompt and perfect in its way, and by which they had often saved the lives of men.’
Anna Sewell
SAVING OTHER ANIMALS
The maternal instinct to protect one’s young runs high in most species, and with some this extends to other family or ‘pack’ members, which in the case of donkeys or horses, for example, might mean another farmyard animal that lives on their territory, while animals such as buffalo might behave in a similar way towards members of their herd. But scientists still remain baffled as to what motivates an animal of one species to intervene in order to rescue an animal of another, whether to save it from a predator or to help in a moment of physical need. When a human does this we call it compassion; when an animal does it we try to tie it back to some instinctive urge, but sometimes it can be hard to make the distinction. Whatever the reasons, the stories of inter-species collaboration in this chapter certainly make for some heart-warming reading.
ZETA’S FRIENDS
A show horse named Zeta received first-class first aid from her field mates after a shocking attack…
In May 2010, Jo Young was at her home in Telford, Shropshire, when she received a call from a man walking his dog near her field to say her horses were acting strangely. Jo, a horsewoman who competed professionally, had several horses out to graze: a gelding, three mares, and Zeta, a 20-year-old bay mare that had competed in showjumping and dressage events across the UK. The helpful dog walker had noticed the other horses crowded around Zeta, all of them with flecks of blood on their muzzles.
Rushing out to the field, Jo was horrified to see that Zeta was badly wounded – she had been shot twice with a crossbow in what seemed to be a completely random attack. One arrow had boun
ced off her rib cage to land on the grass, causing only a minor flesh wound, but the other had penetrated and, as Jo later learned, had stopped within an inch of her lung. Jo realised the other horses had instinctively gathered together to nuzzle Zeta for comfort and keep her wounds clean by licking them.
When vet John Brentnall arrived at the scene 30 minutes later he saw the other horses had prevented Zeta’s wounds from becoming infected, and had also helped to stem the flow of blood in the three and a half hours since the attack had happened. He was able to remove the bolt and stitch the wounds. But according to him, it was unlikely the horse would have survived without the help of her friends: ‘Infections can be lethal to horses but Zeta was extremely lucky to have such good support from the other horses.’ Happily, Zeta made a full recovery.
Witnesses had reported seeing a group of teenagers running away from the field at the time of the attack and the police and RSPCA launched an investigation into the cruel shooting. Jo said of the incident: ‘There was definitely a herd instinct kicking in among the horses. They knew Zeta was in need and they rallied round to save her.’
CAMEROON GORILLAS
A Cameroonian hunter had clearly underestimated the local gorilla population…
In Yaoundé, Cameroon, the local weekly newspaper L’Action published a curious report about a troop of gorillas determined to rescue one of their kin. A group of around sixty of the primates were reported to have entered the village of Olamze, on the border with Equatorial Guinea, in search of a young gorilla that had been captured and brought to the village by a renowned local hunter.
The gorillas turned up just before midnight and walked single file through the village, until shots were fired to frighten them away. The next night they returned, and this time they began to beat angrily on the doors and windows of the houses. Observing the gorillas’ determination, the village chief decided to instruct the hunter to release the young gorilla. L’Action then stated: ‘Immediately, the assailants returned to the forest with shouts of joy, savouring their victory.’
Perhaps the journalist was exaggerating slightly on this final point, but it is certainly charming to think of the gorillas storming a human village in order to take back one of their own.
It’s the little things in life
It’s extraordinary the lengths some animals will go to, to protect their young. In May 2009, amateur wildlife photographer Dennis Bright captured an astonishing scene at a house in Fareham, Hampshire. A mistle thrush had unwittingly built her nest on a roof close to a downpipe, and when water came gushing down after a heavy rainfall she puffed herself up to twice her normal size to block the water from swamping the nest. The dedicated mother stayed there for hours, getting out every half hour to dry off, and her mate was left with the task of bringing food for her and the chicks, all four of which turned out to be perfectly healthy and flew the nest successfully.
DOTTY
Dotty the donkey proved to be a good friend to have on your side in a tight spot…
Dotty the donkey and Stanley the sheep both belonged to Ann Rogers, 63, and shared a stable on Row Brow Farm, near Scarborough, North Yorkshire. Stanley had been orphaned as a lamb and the pair had become firm friends. One day, when Stanley was in danger, Dotty showed the true strength of her loyalty.
A dog had got into the paddock and attacked Stanley, grabbing onto the sheep and locking its jaws. As soon as Dotty saw what was happening, she raced down the field to help her distressed friend. She pinned the dog to the ground until it let go of the sheep, which lost two teeth and suffered facial paralysis due to the attack. Once the sheep had recovered from the ordeal, she was never far from Dotty’s side.
Dotty was later presented with an award by the PDSA for her bravery. Elaine Pendlebury, a PDSA vet, said that she found the donkey’s behaviour outstanding. Donkeys often react defensively when faced with a threat, and in this case ‘Dotty showed herself to be a true protector of the animals she sees as her family’.
PADDY
In the midst of a terrifying bushfire, policeman Mike Salmon was glad to have an old colleague at his side…
The bushfires which came to be known as Black Saturday raged across the Australian state of Victoria in February 2009, resulting in a huge loss of life and widespread destruction. On the eve of Black Saturday, Mike Salmon noticed that the grass around his house in Happy Valley near Myrtleford was dry, ‘like talcum powder’. By 6.30 p.m. on the Sunday, Mike could see the bushfire spreading up through the valley towards his home. He began to do what he could to avert disaster, patrolling his property for drifting embers and hosing his house down with water. But before long the fire had jumped across the road and taken hold on the other side of his house. When the two banks of fire joined behind his house, Mike realised he was surrounded.
Seeing that the fences around his property were alight, Mike’s worst fear was that his animals would be burned alive. He had four sheep, two goats and a beloved retired police horse named Paddy that had served alongside him on parades at police graduations and other major events. The two had formed a very special bond, having worked so closely together over the years. Mike decided to let the sheep and goats out of their pens; he knew there was a risk they might flee into the path of the fire, but the thought of leaving them trapped and helpless as the flames burned ever closer was much worse.
Mike continued to patrol his house, and when he next came back to the area where he had released the animals he was surprised to find Paddy had somehow rounded them all up, and that they were cowering for safety under his huge frame – and the horse seemed totally calm. Mike instructed Paddy to stay put and look after the other animals, then continued to patrol his house as the fire raged on, coming back to check on them at half-hour intervals and to pour water over Paddy’s flanks to keep him cool. Despite the roaring flames nearby and the embers falling from the sky, Paddy never once showed signs of panic. If the other animals moved away, he would round them up again.
Later, Paddy was nominated for a bravery award by the RSPCA, for his actions during the fires, which he miraculously survived with only a small burn on his nose. Mike would never forget his horse’s bravery, although he also said he couldn’t help being a little bemused that Paddy would strive to protect the other farm animals: ‘He’s a bit superior to them; he doesn’t like them. They’re just sheep and goats and he doesn’t have much to do with them.’
BEAUTY
In the days before men began to train dogs for search and rescue purposes, a brave terrier showed a natural aptitude for finding other animals in distress…
During World War Two, when London was being bombed regularly by the enemy, the PDSA sent out animal-rescue squads to search for any animals that may have been trapped under rubble. Superintendent Bill Barnet was a member of one such squad who always used to take his dog Beauty along with him for company when he was out at work.
One night in 1940, the little wire-haired terrier suddenly decided to join in of her own accord, and began digging furiously in one spot. Some minutes later the rescue squad helped Beauty to uncover what she was looking for – a terrified, but otherwise unharmed, cat that was buried in the rubble beneath a table.
From then on, Beauty continued to help Bill Barnet on rescue missions, and by the end of her career she was credited with having saved the lives of 63 animals. She had no training, and is generally recognised as being the first official search and rescue dog. Towards the end of the war, the authorities began training dogs specifically to trace buried casualties. Because she scrabbled so hard with her little paws when uncovering a find they were often sore and bleeding, and admirers sent her some specially made leather boots to help protect her feet.
In recognition of her work, Beauty was awarded the PDSA Pioneer Medal, which is normally only given to people. She also received a silver mounted collar inscribed ‘For Services Rendered’ from the Deputy Mayor of Hendon, and was granted ‘the freedom of Holland Park and all the trees therein!’ In January 1
945 she was honoured with the PDSA Dickin Medal: ‘For being the pioneer dog in locating buried air-raid victims while serving with a PDSA rescue squad.’ Search and rescue dogs are now used all over the world in various situations, including saving human lives.
ZULU ELEPHANTS
A herd of elephants proved that community spirit is well and truly alive in their game park in South Africa…
In 2003, a private game company was at work on the Thula Thula Exclusive Private Game Reserve in Empangeni, Zululand, where they were capturing antelope to be relocated for a breeding programme. The antelope were rounded up into a boma, a type of temporary enclosure, where they would be held until the time came to move them.
As the team settled down for the night, they were disturbed by some uninvited visitors arriving at the camp. A herd of 11 elephants sauntered in and made their way purposefully towards the boma. At first the crew thought they had been attracted by the smell of the lucerne (alfalfa) that they had been keeping to feed to the antelope. But it soon became apparent they had other ideas.
As the herd circled the boma the staff watched them warily. Then the herd matriarch, known as Nana, approached the gate of the boma and, using her trunk, she calmly and carefully undid all of the latches holding the gate closed. As the gate swung back she stepped to the side – it was at this point that the onlookers realised the herd were not on the hunt for a midnight snack, but on a rescue mission. The elephants stood by as the antelope escaped from the boma and disappeared off into the night, then left just as silently as they had come.
Commenting on the incident, an ecologist named Brendon Whittington-Jones said: ‘Elephants are naturally inquisitive – but this behaviour is certainly most unusual and cannot be explained in scientific terms.’
