When I read this story for the first time, it touched my heart in a such a big way. I have such a soft spot for working dogs, but service or guide dogs especially. Partly because of the absolute devotion and this story is a perfect example of this devotion.
In 2008 in South Wales Sarah Craig-Hancock said she heard her 5-year-old Labrador retriever and guide dog, Piper, yelp during an off-leash break in a park. The owner of the other dog said Piper was not hurt. Not realizing anything was wrong, Craig-Hancock put Piper’s harness back on and he guided her home. It was only after she got home that she realized he had injuries that included a flap of skin hanging down one of his legs.
Piper needed stitches, but was back to work in two weeks.
Do to the bravery Piper displayed, he earned the UK certificate for animal bravery. He’s the first animal in Wales to win the PDSA (People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals) certificate for bravery. Only a dozen UK animals have received this award since its inception in 2002.
Unfortunately, Piper's bad luck did not stop at the dog attack. Since the park incident, Piper’s tail has been run over by a mobility scooter, he’s been knocked down by a car, and he’s now hearing impaired because of suffering two perforated eardrums.
But despite his unlucky charm Craig-Hancock says “I am very proud that he wants to carry on working no matter what happens to him. He is a phenomenal dog.”
Piper sounds like a phenomenal dog indeed.
