While the animal kingdom often seems cruel and, well, “dog eat dog,” ironically, dogs often prove to be an exception.
Take the example of a mother dog in Tel Aviv, Israel, literally risking her own life to save her puppies from drowning. As a recently circulating video depicts, the puppies were trapped in a flooded military building, and all hope seemed lost.
In the video, two soldiers and the mother dog are standing outside the flooded building. The puppies trapped inside can be heard crying. One soldier helps to clear mud away from a small gap underneath the house, which allows the mother dog to wriggle through. The mother dog bravely crawls into the water and swims under the building towards her puppies. The video shows the mother emerging with one of her puppies and carrying it to safety. She then checks to make sure the puppy is alright.
Although it is not depicted in the video, reports state that the mother dog was able to save seven out of her 12 puppies. While it is tragic that five of the puppies were lost, the seven who were saved certainly would not have survived if it wasn’t for their mother’s bravery.Â
Another brave mother dog that has gained Internet fame is Blacky, of Valparaiso, Chile. When a forest fire broke out in the area, Blacky took action to protect her nine newborn pups.Â
Firefighters who were struggling to put out the blaze report seeing Blacky leading her puppies towards a hole she had dug in the ground, underneath a metal container. She buried the puppies under the container, along with herself, and when rescuers later found the canine family, all were safe and free of injury.
Fortunately for Blacky and her pups, the story of her bravery has spread across the area, and they are being considered for adoption.
These two dogs showed amazing maternal instincts, along with quick wits and bravery, in saving their puppies. This is not unlike the human maternal instinct. Most mothers would do anything and everything to save their children. It seems that dogs and humans have quite a bit in common, including a fierce sense of protection toward our babies.
Dogs truly are remarkable creatures. As we’ve recently covered, there are many stories of dogs saving humans, as well. Not only are they “man’s best friend,” they show true compassion towards their own, and also to anyone who loves them.
If you are thinking about adding a canine family member to your household, the most rewarding thing you can do is to adopt one from a shelter. Thousands of dogs need good, loving homes, and a little TLC. Check out our guide to adopting a rescue dog, and good luck finding your perfect new best friend!
Of course, different dogs are suited to different people, and different ways of life. This article on top family dogs may help you to find your ideal fit. If you’re on the fence about adoption, consider that a pet really can help you to live a fuller, happier life.
However, do not take the decision to adopt lightly. Adopting a dog is for life — no animal wants to be returned to a shelter. Our canine friends deserve the best life we can give them.
—Tanya Rakhmilevich
Tanya is a writer at The Alternative Daily with a passion for meditation, music, poetry, and overall creative and active living. She has a special interest in exploring traditional Eastern remedies and superfoods from around the globe, and enjoys spending time immersed in nature.
Sources:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3418019/Brave-dog-risks-life-dive-flooded-house-rescue-puppy-hearing-yelps-help-heart-warming-video.html?ITO=applenews
http://www.peoplepets.com/people/pets/article/0,,20909040,00.html
http://www.9news.com.au/national/2015/03/18/19/23/mother-dog-saves-her-pups-by-burying-them-during-forest-fire
