Golden Retriever


*The Winners*		*Golden Retriever*
		Purina has inducted three heroic Golden Retrievers into its Animal Hall of Fame. Here are their stories:
Jango 2007		Trail, British Columbia Darrell Unger put four-year-old Koby to bed and went to watch television. Jango, the ten-year-old family dog, began barking at about 12:30 a.m., waking Darrell from a deep sleep on the couch. Starting up, he realized that the house was filled with smoke. Running to his son's room, Darrell realized that Koby was already unconscious, and he himself was beginning to feel the effects of the smoke. Jango kept up a constant barking which enabled Darrell to carry his son out of the house to safety although he was starting to lose consciousness. Constable Derek Gallon happened to be passing by the house, saw the two emerge from the building and called the fire department. Darrell had gone back into the family home to attempt to save the family's two kittens and Constable Gallon ran into the burning home to try to rescue him. Constable Gallon was soon overcome by smoke and collapsed inside. Fortunately, the fire department arrived and successfully rescued both Darrell Unger, Constable Gallon, and the two kittens! Although the family lost everything in the fire, the family themselves and their pets were saved thanks to their beloved Jango.

Abby 2005 Purina's Everyday Hero Award		Calgary, Alberta Abby, a four-year-old Golden Retriever is trained as a service dog to be the constant companion of Kyle Wiltse, diagnosed with autism at 3 years old. She helps Kyle focus for longer periods, nudging him when she senses him becoming overwhelmed. He talks to her and she responds with non-judgmental affection. Now, Kyle is more at ease with other children. Children who once made fun of his odd behaviour, now, approach him when he is with Abby. Kyle is also safer since he no longer can bolt and run. He is tethered to Abby by a belt that attaches to her vest. One winter night, Jackie thought Kyle was finally asleep and took a quick shower. But when she went in later to check on Kyle, she found her son had disappeared. She asked Abby to find him and the dog directed Jackie by barking – which she rarely does – to look outside. In the dark, Jackie saw Kyle, wearing only winter boots and a fleece jacket, put on upside-down, a few steps beyond some patio doors. On another occasion, Kyle became overwhelmed and confused by cars waiting at a busy four-way stop and sat down in the middle of the road. Abby quickly pulled Kyle from the road to safety. Abby's impact on Kyle has been immense. He speaks more clearly and has more confidence. She has truly changed his life forever.

Tiree 1996		Innisfil, Ontario Tara and Tiree, a four-year-old Rottweiler and a one-year-old Golden Retriever saved their owner, Jim Gilchrist, when he fell through the ice of Lake Simcoe. Tara rushed to help him, but she too fell into the frigid water. Tiree, sensing danger, approached the hole cautiously, crouching on the ice, until Jim could grab her collar. With a firm hold on Tiree, Jim was able to help Tara out of the water, where she immediately joined Tiree to pull their owner to safety.
		Back to Golden Retriever