Hero Pup Knifed by ThugApril 17, 2009 by
PDSA Toby,
a devoted pet Labrador from Barnoldswick has today been presented with
the PDSA Certificate for Animal Bravery for protecting his family from
a knife wielding burglar, despite being stabbed several times.
Accompanied by his owner, Jonathan Morton, Toby received the PDSA
Certificate from PDSA Senior Deputy Chairman Chris Heaps. In his speech
Mr Heaps spoke of Toby’s devotion to his owners and his
determination to protect them from harm on the night, in June 2007,
when a burglar entered the family’s home. “Had
it not been for Toby’s determined barking and lunging at the
intruder, Mr Morton would not have been aware of the threat to his
family,” said Mr Heaps. “Toby is indeed a worthy recipient
of the PDSA Certificate for Animal Bravery.”
Toby was eight months old and living with the family at the Leconfield Army Barracks in Yorkshire when the incident happened.
As the intruder proceeded through the house he collected three
knives from the kitchen. As soon as he set foot upstairs he was faced
with Toby, who barked and ran at him.
Toby was stabbed four times in the chest and legs. Woken by the
dog’s barking, Jonathan Morton found Toby in a pool of blood.
“Toby is our hero,” said Jonathan. “I dread to
think what could have happened if he had not intervened that night.
I’m so pleased PDSA have honoured him today.”