risking a human life for a dog

[selzer]

Many of us believe we would rush into our burning home to save our dogs, or beat a shark off to save our dog, or jump into a frozen river to save our dog (I did this).

Should we expect or even hope that a fireman or Good Samaritan would risk their lives to save our dog?

I do not know how I would cope if someone died saving my dog(s).

[rjvamp]

Have you ever read the story of "Just a Dog"?

That is why I voted Yes.... Cause those that think its "Just a Dog", "Just Don't Understand"

http://www.grendoxdachshunds.com/just_a_dog.htm

Just a Dog

From time to time, people tell me, "lighten up, it's just a dog," or, "that's a lot of money for just a dog." They don't understand the distance traveled, the time spent, or the costs involved for "just a dog."

Some of my proudest moments have come about with "just a dog." Many hours have passed and my only company was "just a dog," but I did not once feel slighted.

Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by "just a dog," and in those days of darkness, the gentle touch of "just a dog" gave me comfort and reason to overcome the day.

If you, too, think it's "just a dog," then you will probably understand phases like "just a friend," "just a sunrise," or "just a promise." "Just a dog" brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust, and pure unbridled joy. "Just a dog" brings out the compassion and patience that make me a better person.

Because of "just a dog" I will rise early, take long walks and look longingly to the future. So for me and folks like me, it's not "just a dog" but an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the past, and the pure joy of the moment.

"Just a dog" brings out what's good in me and diverts my thoughts away from myself and the worries of the day.

I hope that someday they can understand that it's not "just a dog" but the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being "just a human."

So the next time you hear the phrase "just a dog." just smile, because they "just don't understand."



Authored by Richard A. Biby

[ILGHAUS]

The question was

Quote: Should we expect or even hope that a fireman or Good Samaritan would risk their lives to save our dog?

Expect? -- No, I would not expect that another person would risk their life for *my* dog.
Hope? -- I would hope that someone would go to an extra great effort to save one of my dogs.
Want? --No, I would not want someone to put their life in grave danger for one of my dogs. Such a person's life is much more valuable than the life of any of my dogs.

Now does it happen that people risk their lives for someone else's dog? Yes, it does happen. I've been on scene of a house fire where a firefighter walked through a burning room, fell partially through a floor, and had to be rescued himself because he had seen a dog on the other side of the room.

There are variables and degrees of risk. A situation could be grave but with the proper equipement and training the chance of harm is lessened. When I speak above of risk it is in their cases where the odds are more to the end of the spectrum where a person puts themself into a situation where they could be seriously injured or killed vrs a situation where the chance of serious injury is very low. A firefighter puts his life at risk each and every time he enters a burning structure, but that risk could be very low up to a very high probability.

[arycrest]

Originally Posted By: ILGHAUS
Expect? -- No, I would not expect that another person would risk their life for *my* dog.
Hope? -- I would hope that someone would go to an extra great effort to save one of my dogs.
Want? --No, I would not want someone to put their life in grave danger for one of my dogs. Such a person's life is much more valuable than the life of any of my dogs.

I can't say it any better than what TJ said here.

[MustLoveGSDs]

For someone with the job such as a fireman I would expect them to since they are public servants.

Coming from a fairly misanthropic viewpoint, I vote yes.

****, dogs put their life on the line and are helping us everyday. (police, therapy, SAR, and MWDogs )

[Ilovealldogs]

I would run in myself and get my own pets!

[MassiChewSits]

1)http://www.wickedlocal.com/holliston...trapped-on-ice
2)http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29500770/wid/7468326/
3)http://www.thebostonchannel.com/news...37/detail.html
4)http://www.newsday.com/news/nationwo...,6160395.story

There have been quite a few stories like this over the last few winters. I think firefighters,generally, are trained professionals who take calculated risks. In the case of ice rescues, I'm sure they train and have the proper equipment to stack the odds in favor of success.

My rekindled interest in GSD's came about because ABC news did a story on how the military is now allowing families to adopt retired war dogs(picture an Iraq war veteran female sniper-hunting GSD having her belly rubbed by two little girls in the backyard of a nice family home-it's justice). The story reminded me of the all thousands of lives canines have saved by their sacrifice (and how the GSD is a noble creature). I myself think we humans owe dogs something and should, within our own limits, help a dog in need. Have there not been a few common folk who have jumped out of their cars to pull a lost dog of a busy highway?

[BucksMom]

[quote]Originally Posted By: Arycrest

Originally Posted by ILGHAUS

Expect? -- No, I would not expect that another person would risk their life for *my* dog.
Hope? -- I would hope that someone would go to an extra great effort to save one of my dogs.
Want? --No, I would not want someone to put their life in grave danger for one of my dogs. Such a person's life is much more valuable than the life of any of my dogs.

Ditto

[sgtmom52]

Originally Posted By: ILGHAUS
Expect? -- No, I would not expect that another person would risk their life for *my* dog.
Hope? -- I would hope that someone would go to an extra great effort to save one of my dogs.
Want? --No, I would not want someone to put their life in grave danger for one of my dogs. Such a person's life is much more valuable than the life of any of my dogs.

My thoughts also!

I spent 28 years as a police officer and although it is not the job of a firefighter or police officer to attempt to rescue animals ~ I have seen it many times and respect and honor those who choose to do so.

[lhczth]

Agree with TJ. My hope, though is pretty high.