Navigation
RSPCA Recognises Canine Bravery
Released on Tuesday 26, May 2009
Rosie and Tank are family companions who have proven that courage, dedication and commitment extend further and deeper than we humans can ever comprehend. These two remarkable animals, helped rescue their owners from dire situations, and will be honoured this Saturday night at the RSPCA’s Rough Diamond Cocktail Party.
When Jasmine Dillie and Josh Saunders went to bed one night last year, they had no idea they were about to face one of the most frightening experiences of their lives – a house fire. The couple slept as their Mornington house burned around them and the smoke alarm failed. But their trusty three-month-old pup Tank realised something was wrong, and scratched and nipped at the couple until they awoke and managed to escape the inferno. Tank could have run and hid, but instead he risked his life to save his owners.
Rosie the Border Collie/Lab cross also showed that extraordinary understanding which only animals appear to have when she saved her owner Peter Murphy. He had been crushed by his tractor in the paddock of their Ellendale property, but had managed to crawl as far as the front yard. Exhausted, in immense pain and suffering the beginnings of hypothermia, he could go no further. Peter’s wife Trudy was ill upstairs and unaware of his plight, but Rosie’s barking, crying, scratching at the door and running up and down the stairs eventually alerted Trudy to the problem. Whilst waiting for the ambulance to arrive (which eventually turned into the rescue helicopter) Rosie refused to leave Peter, and curled up into him to keep him warm. She was so distressed and so determined to help Peter, she had to be restrained in order to allow medical staff to do their job.
RSPCA Tasmania CEO Greg Tredinnick said both dogs showed astounding empathy and an incredible connection to their owners.
“Animals have an amazing capacity for love and for heroism and anyone who has owned an animal will realise the bonds they form with us can be incredibly strong,” he said.
“The contributions animals make to our lives is significant. They give us unconditional love, support and furry shoulder to cry on when needed. They cheer us up and inspire us, but no one could argue that these two went well above and beyond.
“There are people who owe their lives to these dogs and this is a genuine testament to the importance of animals and why every single one should be cherished.”
Tank and Rosie will be presented with RSPCA Commendations of Courage on Saturday night.
NB: Rosie and Tank’s owners will be available for interviews and photos upon request.
Download assets/files/media-releases/RSPCA Recognises Canine Bravery.pdf.