The two with black noses

[The Hen]

Arthur is the name of Hatch's car.

It has a 'dent' in it.

[Crackpot]

Doyle then?

[The Hen]

Although both of these puppies are inquisitive, I get the feeling that the two of them together will be a pair of jokers.

[Lord Jim]

A couple of real cuties.....

I like Daisy's suggestion...

[The Hen]

I like Daisy's suggestion too.

[Gob]

Passed through this place yesterday while going to see the puppies. Rubato should consider living there.

[Sean]

Pud has just suggested Racer & Volcano as names.

And before you ask... No, I have no idea why.

[Gob]

Brilliant!! I love them, they won't get past the Hatch filter though

[The Hen]

Ahem. She is sitting next to me darling.

Stop making me out to be the villain.

[Crackpot]

Mugen and Jin
Spike and Jet
Nicholas and Vash
Edward and Alphonse

[Crackpot]

Bob and David
Buckaroo and Bonzai

[Lord Jim]

Rube and Quad....













if you plan on shaving their butts and teaching them to walk backwards....

[Gob]

You got that idea from "A man called Sue" I take it Jim?

[MajGenl.Meade]

Ah he beat me to it again - I was going to suggest Rube and Jim but then it might be impossible to house-train them together!



PS Hen - "Arthur". Has a dent - that's really good!

[Miles]

How about Pete and Repete.

[Gob]

PS Hen - "Arthur". Has a dent - that's really good!

Though "a" dent is a bit of a kind way of putting it.

[Gob]

I've decided they should be called "Bono" and "Edge".












"Oy!!! You two!! Pack it in!!!

[Gob]

Here's a tear jerker for you...

A hero dog who lost his life trying to save a group of children from a Pit Bull attack has been awarded the top honour for pet bravery.





George the Jack Russell was given a posthumous PDSA Gold Medal, the animal equivalent of the George Cross, at a special ceremony in his home town.

He had been out for a walk with five local children, aged between three and 12 years old, when a pair of Pit Bull Terriers set upon them.

The 14-year-old dog sustained significant injuries as he shielded the youngsters from the attack. He later died from his wounds.

Hundreds of people, including the children he saved, turned out to honour George at the presentation in Manaia, New Zealand.

Governor-General Anand Satyanand handed over the award to George's owner, widower Alan Gay, on behalf of British veterinary charity PDSA.

The medal was hung around the neck of a statue of the brave dog, which has been erected in the town in his memory.

"There's no doubt that George was a small dog with a lion's share of courage," said PDSA director general Jan McLoughlin.

"Each account of his devotion to the five children on the day of the incident tells of a dog that was not afraid to face great fear in order to protect his friends.

"The children will never forget George's sacrifice and PDSA is proud to honour this exceptionally brave dog."

The PDSA Gold Medal is the highest honour for outstanding animal bravery and exceptional dedication.

George, the jack russell terrier from Taranaki who gave his life attempting to defend five children from two attacking pitbulls is to be commended for his bravery.

Last week, George was walking down the road in Manaia with five local children when they came upon two pitbulls, who threatened the children. George had to be put down after being savagely attacked while protecting them.

The SPCA is awarding George a posthumous medal, one normally awarded to humans for outstanding acts of bravery in defence of animals.

Chief executive Robyn Kippenberger says it's entirely appropriate to award it to George.

She says he was a very brave little dog who almost certainly prevented severe injury to at least one of the children.

Kippenberger says it's truly tragic his instinctive act of courage cost his life and her heart goes out to his owner Alan Gay.

George is also being honoured in death with a purple heart - an American military honour.

"What chance would a little boy have against two pit bull terriers? And even George was too small...he didn't stand a chance," Gay said.

Since the incident Gay has been inundated with calls and letters from strangers, all offering sympathy and support.

The tale has even gone global, hitting the papers in China, Canada, South Africa, Singapore and the United States.

Fellow dog lover and former US marine Jerrell Hudman from Austin, Texas read the story and is going to send his purple heart to mend Gay's broken one.

Hudman was awarded the purple heart when injured in the Vietnam War but thinks George deserves a medal of his own.

Speech at the presentation of a PDSA Gold Award, Manaia, Taranaki


May I begin by greeting everyone in the languages of the realm of New Zealand, in English, Māori, Cook Island Māori, Niuean, Tokelauan and New Zealand Sign Language. Greetings, Kia Ora, Kia Orana, Fakalofa Lahi Atu, Taloha Ni and as it is the afternoon (Sign) May I specifically greet you: Your Worship, Ross Dunlop, Mayor of South Taranaki and fellow councillors and members of the community board; Nicky Baughen from the British High Commission; Distinguished Guests otherwise; Ladies and Gentlemen.

Thank you for inviting me here to Manaia in South Taranaki for this unique ceremony today.

As Governor-General, I have just presented an award on behalf of the PDSA, of a posthumous Gold Medal to the late Jack Russell terrier, George, owned by Alan Gay. The significance of the award is something about which I should speak.

Dogs can be wonderful fun and they can make an enormous contribution to our quality of life. But to many New Zealanders, they are often much more than pets.

Many are working dogs, playing important roles in agriculture or in private security. For example, dogs continue to play an important role with the Police, apprehending suspected felons and finding those who are lost. They also allow people who live with visual or hearing impairments to live more fulfilling lives.

A point regarding dogs was well made by the well known New Zealand media columnist Joe Bennett who once wrote of his two Labradors: “Many of the qualities we love to see in people—loyalty, modesty, zest—are exhibited fulltime in the dogs. Many of the things we do not like to see in people—duplicity, greed, malice—the dogs are innocent of. That is why I cherish my dogs.”

Another human quality that dogs show in abundance is courage. And it is because of George’s courage, who came to the aid of five children threatened by two pit bull terriers on Sunday 29 April 2007 that we are all present this afternoon.

While George was owned by the children’s neighbour, he was a friend to them all and was always welcome in their home.

On that day almost two years ago, George placed his own safety before those of his young companions. Had the pit bulls managed to reach the children it is highly likely they would have suffered serious injuries. Sadly, George’s injuries were so serious that his life had to be brought to an end.

But his courageous acts were brought to the attention of the PDSA, Britain’s leading veterinary charity, which has decided to make a posthumous award of its Gold Medal. In particular, I acknowledge Stuart Graham and John Dick, who made the formal nomination.

The Gold Medal is equivalent to Britain’s George Cross or the New Zealand Cross—the highest honour which can be given for civilian bravery. The Gold Medal, established in 2001, sits alongside the PDSA Dickin Medal, established in 1943 to recognise animal bravery in a theatre of war.

George is the 15th recipient of the Gold Medal and the first overseas recipient. His story typifies not only the spirit of the PDSA Gold Medal, but also the unique companionship that often exists between people and animals.

Sometimes that companionship transcends the ordinary and becomes extraordinary. George was not only an extraordinary dog but exemplified the best qualities of the Jack Russell Terrier, which has often been described as a big dog in a little dog’s body.

Sadly this is a posthumous award. Despite the best efforts of his rescuers and the vet who attended to him, he was too severely injured to survive. And so, alongside Mr Gay and the children, we not only share their heartache in losing a companion but also their pride that George’s courageous deeds have been so recognised.

I cannot think of better words with which to close, than those of 19th Century English poet Lord Byron who placed a monument over the grave of his dog, Boatswain. On the monument are the famous words: "Near this spot are deposited the remains of one who possessed beauty without vanity, strength without insolence, courage without ferocity, and all the virtues of man, without his vices."

And on that note, I will close in New Zealand’s first language Maori, by offering everyone greetings and wishing you all good health and fortitude in your endeavours. No reira, tena koutou, tena koutou, kia ora, kia kaha, tena koutou katoa.

[Guinevere]

Has no one said Holmes and Watson?

Hen, what is a feem choon??

[Gob]

Great Idea!!!! Or John and Sherlock!!

(Theme tune!)