Canadian Hero

During a roadtrip through the British Columbia in 2014, 16-year-old Joseph Philips-Garcia and his black King German Shepherd Sako were flung from their vehicle during a car accident, and were the sole survivors of the 100-metre tumble down an embankment.

Miraculously, Joseph survived the accident but lay injured for over 40 hours, fading in and out of consciousness. Sako, who had also survived, stayed with his owner for the entire duration, and did everything in his power to keep Joseph alive.

Sako huddled close to Joseph to keep him warm through the 40-hour wait for a rescue team to locate them, dragging him to a creek for water, and even fended off predators, chasing off coyotes and other animals looming in the Canadian woods to ensure Joseph would not be attacked.

Joseph, now 17, is still recovering from the accident a year ago. He would not have survived if not for his dog’s unyielding loyalty and protection. For his efforts, Sako has also recently been inducted into the Purina Animal Hall of Fame to honour his heroism.

(Images: Purina Hall of Fame)