It’s Pet Appreciation Week — and while every pup deserves a round of applause for just being themselves, some dogs have gone above and beyond. 

1. The Lifesaving Newfoundland Who Rescued 23 People

In the 1800s, a Newfoundland named Hairy Man lived near the coast of Canada and became famous for his uncanny ability to rescue people from drowning. Newfoundlands are natural swimmers with webbed feet, a thick water-resistant coat, and strong lifeguard instincts. Hairy Man reportedly rescued at least 23 people — without formal training. Locals said he would leap into the sea anytime he heard splashing or cries for help, dragging people to shore by their clothing.

2. The Scrappy Stray Who Became a War Hero

During World War I, a stray pit bull mix named Sergeant Stubby was smuggled to the front lines by an American soldier. Stubby didn’t just boost morale—he became an active part of the troops. He learned to bark when gas attacks were coming, alerted soldiers to enemy movements, and even captured a German spy by grabbing his pants leg and holding on until help arrived. Stubby received multiple medals, met three U.S. presidents, and remains the most decorated war dog in American history.

3. The TV Pup Who Helped Millions Fall in Love with Rescue Dogs

You might not know Higgins by name — but you definitely know his face. Higgins was the dog who played Benji, a character who became a pop culture icon in the 1970s. Higgins was originally adopted from a shelter by an animal trainer who saw his potential. Through his films and appearances, he helped change the narrative around rescue pets—showing that shelter dogs could be smart, trainable, and absolutely star-worthy.

4. The Dog Who Saved a Baby from a Burning House

In 2013, a Labrador named Daisy became a household hero when she alerted her family to a fire in the middle of the night. After waking her owners with persistent barking, Daisy refused to leave the house until she led them to their infant child, who was still asleep in her crib. Thanks to Daisy’s instincts, the family escaped safely. Firefighters later confirmed the room was filling with smoke, and the baby might not have survived without Daisy’s intervention.

5. The Dog Who Found Survivors After 9/11

Appollo a German Shepherd search-and-rescue dog, was part of the first canine response team to arrive at Ground Zero after the attacks on September 11, 2001. Appollo and his handler worked tirelessly for days, helping locate survivors in the rubble. His dedication helped shine a spotlight on the vital role that dogs play in disaster response. He was later honoured with the Dickin Medal—the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross.

6. The Guide Dog Who Refused to Leave His Blind Owner

In 2015, during the Boston Marathon bombing, a Labrador guide dog named Roselle stayed completely calm and focused as chaos erupted around her. She led her blind owner down 78 flights of stairs, calmly navigating crowded corridors, and safely exited the World Trade Center. Even as debris fell and panic spread, Roselle never flinched. Her calmness and loyalty helped save her owner’s life—and earned her international recognition for bravery.

P.S. At NutriPaw, we believe every dog is a hero in their own way — and we’re here to support them with daily health support, from joints and digestion to stress and immunity.