June 19, 2013

White Dog and The White Dog Army

Wonderful World Wednesday

White Dog knows the power of grief and the overwhelming sense of loss that accompanies the passing of a loved one. While she was not here when our Sheltie, Sheena died from liver cancer, she was when finally, a year later, I could let go enough to wash the glass panes that still held Sheena’s nose art. There were times during my grief when I did not answer the phone or care about the world (which seemed very unfair and not very wonderful then). And so it is with personal loss; most withdraw and become disconnected.

Tonight’s Wonderful World Wednesday story was chosen by the White Dog Army because of the amazing compassion exhibited by this hero family in the face of their darkest moment of sadness. That they could set aside their pain and rush to the aid of a creature in need…at physical risk to themselves as well… is inspirational.

Robert Louis Stevenson said, “Everyday courage has few witnesses. But yours is no less noble because no drum beats for you and no crowds shout your name.” The White Dog Army asks that we all bear witness to Dillion Hayes and Ben Wheeler and shout their name for their extraordinary courage and commitment to make a difference…even at their moment of grief. No greater tribute could they have given their precious Daisy…and no greater gift their new neighbors.

Boy halts burial of his own dog to save another

Dillon Hayes, stepfather rescue dog from burning home

Published  1:18 PM EDT Jun 17, 2013 WYFF-TV4.com

BOILING SPRINGS, S.C. —A 15-year-old boy who was in the middle of burying his beloved dog with his stepfather had to stop what they were doing to rescue another dog for a family they didn't even know.

A raging fire took the neighbor's home, but an act of heroism by Dillon Hayes and his stepfather, Ben Wheeler, kept the flames from taking the pet.

"We ran over there as fast as we could," Dillon said. "Neighbors were out saying they didn't know if the people were home or not, and they said there was a dog."

The family was not at home because they were dealing with a medical issue, but their dog was inside the burning home in the Sterling Estates neighborhood in Boiling Springs.

Dillon and his family moved to the neighborhood only about two weeks ago, and had not yet met their neighbors.

Dillon's family lost their English bulldog, Daisy, to health problems Thursday night.  He and his stepfather were in the back yard, a few streets away from the home that caught fire, laying their pet to rest when they saw the smoke.

He and his stepfather ran to the house and broke in with hopes of saving the dog.

"Adrenaline kicked in and you do what you can to save somebody," he said.

They found the dog, and brought it to safety

"She was scared, didn't know where to go, where to run," Dillon said. "My stepdad carried her out and tried to calm her down as quick as possible.

Dillon and his stepfather were still trying to deal with the death of Daisy.  Wheeler was too upset Friday to be able to talk about it. 

"I wanted my dog to be OK," Dillon said. "I was all down in the dumps, but seeing that dog come out and be happy, it just made me feel good about what I did."

"I would hate to have to see another dog die," he said. "Dogs are like little kids to me. I love them to death. Their dog seems like they love it a lot, so we tried to help as much as we could."

Unfortunately the family's cat was unable to be saved and died in the fire.

Read more: http://www.wyff4.com/news/boy-halts-burial-of-his-own-dog-to-run-save-another/-/9324534/20599250/-/teqjoo/-/index.html#ixzz2WiKZTWGJ