This bronze statue was erected in the Octagon, Manaia, in the memory of "George", a Jack Russell terrier who was fatally injured while protecting two young boys from an attack by two other dogs on 29 April 2007. George's owner was Alan Gay of Manaia.
The story of George's heroics was shared with over 200 media outlets, with Texan Jerrell Hudman so moved by it that he sent his Purple Heart medal won in Vietnam to George's owner.
The statue was created by New Plymouth sculptor, Fridtjof Hanson and unveiled in October 2007.
On 11 February 2009 Alan Gay was presented with a PDSA Gold Medal, in acknowledgement of George's bravery, by Governor-General Anand Satyanand. The PDSA - People's Dispensary for Sick Animals - is a UK-based veterinary charity which has an awards programme for animal bravery and devotion to duty.
Plaque text reads:
In Memory of
"George"
who gave his life, on April 29 2007
protecting children from two savage dogs.
He was posthumously awarded the PDSA
Gold Medal, in recognition of his bravery.
Related items:
George dies a hero (Taranaki Daily News 2 May 2007)
NP man urges SPCA to bestow award on Manaia's canine hero (Taranaki Daily News 4 May 2007)
David and Goliath appeal to George's tale, says expert (Taranaki Daily News 5 May 2007)
Teary war vet gives gift from the heart (Taranaki Daily News 5 May 2007)
A Purple Heart day as pupils pay tribute (Taranaki Daily News 19 May 2007)
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