There are many cases where pets lay their lives on the line to rescue their owners. This is particularly the case when homesteads are invaded by dangerous intruders intent on causing physical and material harm. They serve as the first lime of defence when they alert us of clear and present dangers. On the other hand, most dog owners would not reciprocate the same. When push comes to shove, their default instinct would be to flee. What would you do when your dog was attacked by a pack of coyotes in the wild on a family outing? Most people would conveniently forget the dog to take the heat and chances of abandonment are high. I remember a story I read in the papers in Britain. A dog had fallen into river Thames and was in danger of drowning. A dedicated individual dived into the river and rescued the dog. The gallant fellow was then honoured in an animal rights ceremony by the then British prime minister Margaret Thatcher. I remember the explosive humour put across by the reporter when he insinuated that the smirk on Thatcher's face suggested that she thought of him as having gone bonkers for attempting such a risky feat over a dog. Would you?
I think it depends on the situation. While I love my dog, I don't think I have the kind of instinct to jump in front of a car to save my dog. I probably would just stare in horror unable to do anything. But if we are hiking, and my dog slipped off side onto a low ledge, I would try to get my dog to safety. The problem is that I know what I can and can't do, so I would probably end up calling for help before actually risking my life. I feel bad that it's not a fair trade since my dog would protect me from cougars, even to death. The most I can do it protect my dog from being abused by mean people.
I'd go a heck of a long way to save my dog, but to the point of risking my life? Absolutely not. It would have to be that I misjudged the situation and got caught in a life threatening rescue mission. Love my dogs like crazy, but the truth is I would not knowingly risk my life to save them. I'd take risk and get involved in a dangerous rescue mission, but not a life-threatening one.
I've had my dog for almost 10 years now. I had him since he was a puppy and he is part of my family. Regardless of what most people may think or feel, I would put my life on the line to save his life. There is no questioning that. I wouldn't of said that when I was a kid, but now that I'm older and learned how to appreciate my little guy, I can honestly say that I could do it.
He is part of the family, and I sacrifice myself for family.
Yes is my answer to the thread's title. To me, our dogs are precious and aside from my treatment of them as family, I am willing to save them at all costs. In fact, there was a time when I was chatting with some friends in a reunion when talks of kidnapping was the topic. They teased me that I would pay the ransom when my dog is kidnapped. They thought I was joking when I agreed and said I am willing to pay a million just to get my dog back. But it's true. That's how valuable my dogs are to me.
Personally, no. I love my dogs but if something happens to me, my dog won't be able to take care of my son. My dog is my pet but my son is my priority. I can't be reckless just for the sake of the family pet. It will be different for other people and there's no wrong answer. It's just a matter of preference.
I don't want to lost him