So much to learn from our animals.
It is so easy to become disillusioned with the world around us. But then all it takes is a little story or an act of kindness to remind us of what really is important.
That was my emotional reaction when I recently read the following item over on the Care2 website. I am taking the liberty of republishing it in full.
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Dangerous Dog Rescues Helpless Hummingbird in Grass
By: Laura S. May 10, 2016
One can only speculate why a rescued dog named Rex refused to leave the side of an injured hummingbird lying in the grass. Was it compassion or simple curiosity?
According to Rex’s guardian, Ed Gernon, his German Shepherd mix was homeless for a very long time and had a reputation for getting along poorly with other animals.
“He was dangerous” told CBS News. “I mean, he fought with other dogs and he killed cats. He was an animal that had learned to live on the streets.”
During a neighborhood walk, Rex came to an abrupt halt with a laser-focus on the ground in front of him.
“He suddenly stopped and he would not move,” Gernon said of Rex’s discovery of the near-death hummingbird. “It’s tiny and it’s dead as far as I’m aware. It’s covered in ants. It’s got no feathers.”
But Rex apparently knew better. Not only did he realize that the bird was still alive, but he refused to leave it.
“He was trying to protect her, so I thought I’d go the distance.”
So, Gernon did the only thing he could think of at the moment. He scooped up the hummingbird and took it home. And there began a year-long process of rehabilitation inside Gernon’s home. That included using a hairdryer to help Hummer fly as well as regular feedings of sugar water.
Today Hummer is strong and ready for return to the wild, only she shows no interest in leaving just yet.
“It’s time for her to start mating,” Gernon said in his recent interview. “I keep leaving the doors and windows open thinking she’ll leave.”
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Laura closes her article by including the sensible advice:
Wildlife experts advise that licensed rehabilitation specialists should be consulted when caring for an injured wild animal.
As I said in my preamble all it takes is a little story or an act of kindness to remind us of what really is important.
You all have a wonderful weekend.
Learning from Dogs 
I have a gripe with that article in that I’m not sure it’s fair to call a street dog dangerous based on the fact it fights with other dogs and kills cats. Dangerous dog implies the sort that bite/attack people, or one of the so-called dangerous breeds.
For example, Pippa was a street dog, his ear was badly mauled and his fur was pink around his throat from blood. But when street dogs are fighting for scraps of food to survive what else do we expect? and Jean will know far more about street dogs. However, when we homed him, he only ever barked at other dogs if they were aggressive and always wanted to be friendly. He was a gentle soul, and always expected people to stroke or pat him (or in some cases hug him).
Anyway it’s a heartwarming story and great that Rex has a home. I’m sure he’s a wonderful dog.
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Completely agree with you regarding your gripe. I’m sure there are dogs, and cats, out there that are dangerous in the true meaning of the word. But it will be only those poor creatures that are mentally unwell. Super response from you. Thank you.
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My other gripe, is that Rex was a cross GSD, and the implication is because of that, he was dangerous. As you know, GSDs are NOT dangerous. Of our rescue dogs, Prince was pure bred, and Pippa was a cross. GDSs are loyal, loving and affectionate. But not dangerous.
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Well said!
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Thanks Paul for this uplifting little story – we surely need them these days 🙂
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You are more than welcome, Marg.
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A heartwarming and beautiful story Paul – just shows that a little caring can go such a long way.
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And how caring is so important! Many thanks, Barb, for dropping in here today.
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Touching. And chiming in on the ‘dangerous’ discussion, at first I want to say that dog biting humans are dangerous only to humans. Some of these same humans are dangerous to all of life, and dogs pick up on it. Also, would a dog be mean if humans didn’t somehow ‘teach’ it to be that way? (Think Pitbulls, which are some of the sweetest dogs I’ve ever rescued.) These are just questions, of course. From a good dog karma kind of person 😉 Touching story, Paul. Thanks for sharing it.
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Agree with everything you mentioned. Yes, we have a Pitbull cross that is an ex-rescue and the sweetest natured dog one could imagine. Another gorgeous contribution from you, Bela. Many thanks!
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❤
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Hi bela. Thanks for picking up on the ‘dangerous’ dogs aspect. I think it is really important that dogs are not mislabelled, responsible dog owners have enough problems as it is. People are too quick to point fingers, and those of us who rescue dogs know what a difference food, water, a home, love and affection can make to a starving street animal. No dog asks to be thrown out. Or mistreated and abused. I’m currently trying to get some help and advice for a man who lives next to six Spanish hunting dogs that are chained up all day in a shed with a tin roof, where temps can go up to 50 degrees celsius, no food in their dishes and a floor covered in shit. Deplorable. These poor dogs must be traumatised.
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Oh, those poor, poor dogs! If you send me some pictures and a few words I will willingly publish the details here.
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Here’s the link. Do you meed a translation? Basically dogs chained up, and howling and crying all the time.
https://diadeljuicio.wordpress.com/2016/05/16/perros-de-caza-maltratadas-en-benissa/
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Many thanks. I’ll get Jeannie to do the translation as she reads and speaks Spanish. Will republish it tomorrow. Those dogs must be given better lives.
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Fair enough Paul. We do too, so, easy to do. Sadly this man has contacted Seprona, which is the Guardia Civil section in charge of hunting, and they have washed their hands of it. But people are trying to help, coming up with suggestions, and that is the important thing.
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I don’t think there can be too much publicity for what you and your friends are trying to do over there.
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Jeannie has read the Spanish and struggled with some of the words. Jean believes that a much better translation would come from you.
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Okies, will do. Not a literal one, but a sense one.
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Just done it. I’ll send it by mail. I could ask Adrian to look at it, but I reckon it’s pretty good.
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Thanks for your comment. We live in Hawaii, so plenty of chained-up dogs, as well. Or hunting dogs in tiny, shit-filled kennels. While I fail to understand why people keep such interactive animals in this state, I also have learned my limits of influencing longstanding cultural practices. I add my two cents’ worth when I can, in a way that is not confrontational so it can be heard. Yet it’s so difficult to ride my bike by so many of these dogs and have to witness them kept this way. Many cases everywhere of humans abusing these and other noble creatures. So we help where we can, rescue what we can, and chalk the rest up to the darker side of human nature. It isn’t easy, but nobody said it would be. Aloha.
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That’s all that anyone can do. Extending a helping hand whenever you can.
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In terms of offering a helping hand please, as many as possible, send an email (or letter or phone them):
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