It’s wonderful to see George receive the praise he so richly deserves. My only concern is that the pit bulls are being painted as the villains of this tale. They may have been the ones doing the attacking but it was their human owner who is the real villain. He’s the one who put these PBs in the position of attacking the children and killing George. Wouldn’t it be much better to include that in the story instead of just dropping all the blame on the two dogs?
Thanks to Stuff.co.nz for this article.
George, dog and hero, honoured
By FELICITY ROOKES – Taranaki Daily News | Thursday, 11 October 2007Pint-sized hero George, the brave Jack Russell terrier, has been immortalised in bronze.
George gave his life protecting two young boys from an attack by two savage pitbulls in Manaia in April.
The statue, mounted on a rock in the centre of town, was unveiled this week.
A plaque simply states, “In memory of George who gave his life on Kauae St 29th April 2007, protecting children from two savage dogs.”
George’s owner, Alan Gay, says the statue looks just like the plucky little dog.
“I think it’s great. It must have cost them (the Waimate Plains Properties Society) a fair few dollars.”
Mr Gay’s only concern was vandalism.
“There are a lot of hooligans around here. The little sods will smash anything for nothing,” he said.
New Plymouth sculptor Fridjof Hansen, the man who created Opunake’s Peter Snell statue, also did the work on George.
Society chairman John Hosie says there was a lot of talk at the time of George’s death that he deserved a statue.
“Well, we listened and there is now another reason to stop in Manaia.”
Visitor Richard Goodwin of New Plymouth said: “Dogs like George are living proof that the animals we share the planet with, we can’t live without.”
Mr Gay said he has had a lot of phone calls and mail about George, from all over the world. “People are very soft hearted when it comes to things like this. I still miss the little dog.”
George’s fame continues on in America and on the Internet.
According to Mr Gay, George was recently nominated for a bravery award in London.
