Brave canine bags award for saving master's life
Darjeeling: It is the good deed that matters more than the breed — is what "Tiger" proved on Sunday. The humble mongrel emerged the show stopper amidst scores of world famous breeds at a dog show in Darjeeling. Amidst heavy applauds Tiger bagged a bravery award at the dog show that was held as part of the ongoing Darjeeling Fest 2019 at the Chowrasta.
On August 15, Tiger had saved his 57-year-old owner Aruna Lama from the clutches of a leopard. The incident occurred at Sonada, 16 km from Darjeeling.
"Late at night we had heard the hens clucking and gone to the shed to see what was wrong. In the dark shed we saw a pair of glowing eyes. We immediately knew it was a leopard. The leopard attacked my mother," stated Smrity, the victim's daughter. The family pet dog "Tiger" charged at the leopard. The fight continued and after some time Tiger, the four-year-old mongrel managed to chase away the leopard.
Aruna was rushed to the Sonada Primary Health Centre from where she was referred to the Darjeeling Sadar Hospital.
She received 20 stitches on the right side of her forehead and around 5 on her cheeks. She had also suffered bruises but survived the attack, thanks to Tiger.
The dog show on Saturday saw famous breeds, including St. Bernard, German Shepherd, Husky, American Akita, Pitbull, Apso and Dalmatians. There were dogs participating from Kolkata and Sikkim. However, the cheers were the loudest when Tiger arrived escorted by Smrity and her sister. Amarnath K, the Superintendent of Police, Darjeeling, flanked by other top cops handed over the medal and the citation to the proud owners.
"It is a proud moment for Tiger and us. We are overjoyed. Had it not been for Tiger, my mother could have lost her life in the leopard attack," stated Smrity. "It is an honour for us to recognise the brave act displayed by Tiger. He has indeed shown exemplary courage," stated the Police Super reacting to his maiden experience of handing over a bravery award to man's best friend.
