Weela the American Pitbull Terrier is a canine superhero. She saved 30 humans, 29 dogs, 13 horses, and 1 cat within 3 months. Her heroism dates back to 1993, but the story of her amazing feats continues to be told to this day. But she is not the only Pit Bull that has done such noble acts.
In this post, we will share the inspiring and perception-changing stories of 5 other admirable Pit Bull heroes. They break the negative stereotype that has cast a shadow on this loving, intelligent, and sweet dog breed.
Weela, the Ultimate Pit Bull Hero
The Pit Bull Lovers
Years before Weela’s amazing 3-month heroic run, she protected her owner’s 11-year-old son from a rattlesnake. The boy was out playing when the dog, usually kind to the children, bumped into him powerfully.
The owner, Lori Watkins, quickly checked on the situation and was shocked to see the deadly snake bite Weela’s face. It appeared that the alert pooch had seen the reptile across the yard and tried to move the boy out of harm’s way.
Fortunately, the dog managed to recover from the bite.
In 1993, after a dam broke and caused heavy flooding in the area, Weela assisted her owners in the rescue efforts. For 6 hours and in heavy rain, Weela helped rescue 12 dogs from a neighbour’s ranch.
Mrs Watkins noticed that her Pittie was skilled in identifying dangerous terrain (bogs, quicksand, and sharp drops). “She always took the lead, except to circle back if someone needed help,” Mrs Watkins said.
Then Weela went on to feed 17 dogs and puppies as well as a cat that were stranded on an island. She went back and forth to the flooded river for over a month bringing food to the animals until they were rescued. She also managed to lead rescuers to a group of 13 horses trapped by floodwaters on a manure pile.
That’s not all—Weela also helped a group of 30 people cross the floodwaters safely. She even did this on one of her food deliveries to the stranded animals. She barked and ran about as she guided the group across the water. She did not let them step on areas where the current was fast and the water deep.
What if her owners did not rescue Weela and her 4 Pit Bull siblings from an alley when they were still puppies? Weela would have never made it.
You May Also Like:
Paco and Slayer, a Tag Team of Pit Bull Heroes
CBS San FranciscoOne sunny afternoon, Melissa Butt was relaxing right outside her home with her 2 grandchildren when her 2 Pit Bulls began barking.
When she investigated the situation, she found the dogs standing a few feet from a huge copperhead snake. She called out to her daughter, who immediately took away the children.
The younger Pit Bull, 9-month-old Paco, saw the snake first and also got bitten first. Seeing his brother attacked, Slayer, a 3-year-old Pitbull, jumped into action. He took the snake with his mouth and killed him.
“He almost bit it in half,” Mrs. Butt reported.
However, Slayer got bitten in the scuffle like his brother. His muzzle swelled to nearly twice its size in just 30 minutes. Thankfully, he was able to receive treatment and survived the injury.
“Pit Bulls are nanny dogs. That’s actually why they were originally bred—to care and protect children,” Mrs Butt said. “And our Slayer has always been that way.”
Precious, the Faithful Service Dog
The Dogington Post
The service dog named Precious, an American Pitbull Terrier, saved her owner, Robert Lineburger, from an alligator.
One night, Mr Lineburger went to the bathroom on his boat, which was docked at a port in Florida. Precious had followed her owner to the bathroom and noticed the stealthy reptile despite the darkness.
She jumped in front of Mr Lineburger when the alligator attacked. Unfortunately, she perished in her heroic efforts. Her owner was unscathed in the incident.
Major, the 911 Caller
Facebook – Terrance McGlade
A military veteran with a seizure disorder owes his life to Major, his Pit Bull service dog. When Terry McGlade fell to the floor from a seizure, Major took a phone from his human’s pocket.
The Pit Bull hero then pawed at the phone’s display, which has been programmed to dial 911 automatically. His effort paid off as the phone connected him to the police, who sent someone over to check.
When the police came, they found Major already waiting for them in the yard. The dog led them to his owner, who was eventually given medical assistance.
You May Also Like:
- Husky Proves Dogs Can Smell Cancer After Detecting It from Her Owner
- Are Staffordshire Bull Terriers an Aggressive Breed?
- Sniffer Dogs and Their Amazing Abilities
- 12 Dog Breeds That Make the Best Guard Dogs
Baby, the Fire Rescuer
Huffpost Live
A 10-year-old Pittie named Baby saved her human family plus other pets in the house from a fire.
She sensed the fire one night whilst everyone was asleep and woke her owners with barks and jumps. Baby saved the 5 other pets by pulling them out of the house.
Mercey, the Protector Pit Bull Hero
CTVNews
When 3 men and a male teenager broke into an apartment, 4-year-old Mercey the Pitbull jumped in to block their way. She was trying to protect her owner, a 30-year-old woman.
Although she sustained life-threatening wounds from machete strikes, Mercey was able to recover. Her owner was fortunately unharmed.
WATCH this video on how Lilly the Pit Bull hero saved her owner:
FAQs About Pit Bull Heroes
1. Did Pit Bulls Used to Be Family Dogs?
Pit Bulls continue to be family dogs up until now. However, many people remain hesitant to take him as a canine companion due to the stigma surrounding the breed.
Early Pit Bulls were originally bred for bullbaiting, but modern Pitties are a far cry from their ancestors. With the relentless efforts of dedicated breeders, Pit Bulls of today are more gentle and loving compared to their progenitors.
In the hands of the right owner, they make wonderful family dogs.
2. Has a Pit Bull Ever Saved a Human?
Many Pit Bulls have saved a human being’s life. Proof of that is the 6 Pit Bull heroes we have listed in this article. They were selfless and quick-witted canines that managed to protect their human companions’ lives.
3. Who Is the Most Famous Pit Bull Hero?
One of the most famous Pit Bull heroes in history is Sergeant Stubby. He was a stray mixed Pit Bull dog that was rescued by a soldier during World War I.
Although Sergeant Stubby is long gone, many of his valiant tales continue to be remembered. For example, the time when he managed to detect when the person talked to him in German.
This Pit Bull hero was also brave enough to traverse the deadly “No Man’s Land” to deliver supplies to wounded soldiers.
4. Why Are Pit Bulls So Fearless?
Pit Bulls are fearless because they were intentionally developed to have this quality. It is one of the many traits of the breed that remained after years of selective breeding.
This explains why several Pit Bull heroes did not hesitate to save their human companions during times of danger.
Conclusion
All of the Pit Bull Heroes we have featured are a testament to the brave and selfless nature of the Pit Bull breed. Despite the misconception that they are inherently aggressive dogs, Pitties have time and time again dispelled this stigma through their gentleness and heroic actions.
Are you interested in knowing more valiant acts of dogs? Check out the heroic Husky stories we have covered.
