Get ready for another heartwarming story that will make dogs synonymous to heroes.
Through the years, dogs have shown us the huge impact they could make on lives and communities. From protecting a baby against an abusive caretaker to guiding a disabled child in taking her first step, dogs are always there to lend a helping paw. In another story of a heroism, you’ll meet Percy, a service canine from Connecticut and a semi-finalist in Hero Dog Awards.
Percy is a black Labrador Retriever and a service dog of Ariana Parker who is legally blind and hearing impaired at the age of 24. Percy guides her in getting around; he has been trained as well to detect health issues in his owner. It was November 13 when Percy did a life-saving act that would earn him the “hero” label. The black lab was with Parker when she went to Gateway Community College to attend a class. Percy sensed something was not right, so he pawed at Parker. Later on, when Parker stepped into the hallway, she suddenly broke out in hives.
Parker has Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) that could lead to anaphylactic shock or life-threatening multi-system allergic reaction. While Parker was having trouble breathing, Percy guided her toward the bench. Parker wanted to get help but she couldn’t, so she instructed Percy to do so. During that time, Percy had not been trained in “get help” task but Parker said the dog knew what to do. He ran to the classroom, brought people to help, which led to medics arriving on time. Ariana’s life was saved, which earned Percy moments of pride.
Percy at the Hero Dog Awards
At the age of 5, Percy has become a semi-finalist in American Humane’s Hero Dog Awards, under the service/guide/hearing dog category. American Humane is a non-profit organization that sponsors the annual competition. To determine the awardees in five different categories, there will be a public voting through October 9.
In a press release, American Humane recognized Percy’s life-saving feat. They were amazed by the black lab’s quick actions to help his owner get admitted into the nearby hospital. Aside from Percy, there are four other heroic dogs vying for the award under the service/guide/hearing dog category. Winners will be honored at the Hero Dog Awards Gala, set to happen in Palm Beach, Florida.
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Another Award-Winning Dog in Connecticut
In 2014, a Connecticut-based dog named Xxon won an award under the service/guide dog category of Hero Dog Awards. Xxon is the canine partner of Sgt. Michael Malarsie from the U.S. Air Force. Xxon was partnered with Malarsie because the latter needed assistance after he was blinded in an attack in Afghanistan in 2010. According to Malarsie, he can now say that he’s part of the society again because of Xxon. When the dog received the award, Malarsie also shared that Xxon is his everyday hero and it’s hard to imagine life without him.
According to American Humane, Malarsie returned to the Air Force as the only blind service member. He also received the Bronze Star with Valor for displaying exemplary bravery in the battlefield. In the unfortunate event that happened in Afghanistan, four other team members of Malarsie were killed. Despite this, he bounced back and didn’t let the past and his blindness hold him back. He said Xxon was a huge part of starting life all over again.
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From The Club
I love seeing dogs doing heroic acts. Their protective nature is so comforting. When I heard about the story of Percy, I was amazed by how quickly he called for help. He knew that he was in an urgent, life-threatening situation. He must have been so worried about his owner but he didn’t let that confuse him. He’s really deserves an award for being a very good boy. I’m also happy to see that organizations like American Humane exist. They make this place kinder and safer not just for dogs but for other animals deserving of love and care.
