Warrior

Heroes come in all shapes and sizes.

"George," a 9-year-old Jack Russell terrier in New Zealand happens to be one such hero. To wit:

George, who had a heart problem, won fame after defending five children from the pitbulls in the small North Island town of Manaia a week and a half ago. The two pitbulls rushed at the five children on the street, prompting George to charge the much larger dogs as the children escaped.

Unfortunately, George was badly mauled by the band of pit bull terriers and had to be put down because of the extensive injuries he sustained.

None of the children were bitten or injured.

It seems that George's tale inspired Jerrell Hudman, 58, a US Marine for 30 years, to send his Purple Heart medal (acquired during his service in Vietnam) to owner Alan Gay. Hudman said:

It's truly tragic that he paid with his own life for his instinctive act of courage."

Hudman said he sent his medal because the dog was "a little warrior."

Deeds, not words.

BZ