The Dog Named "Hero"

Hero, as he is affectionately named, was known to free himself from his caretaker's chains and roam the neighborhood. The last time that Hero broke free, he was attracted to the sound of a car crash. Shannon Lorio lost control of her car while entering a curve. Her car tumbled backward down an embankment in a remote, heavily wooded area. Shannon was thrown through the rear window and found herself confused, battered and laying across the trunk of her car. "I was bleeding from my face and my nose," she said. "All of a sudden, I felt a presence — a really huge presence. He was straddling me. I have watched too many horror movies about werewolves and vampires. I thought he was going to eat me."

Shannon reports that a dog began to lick her face and this 2-year, 70 lb. dog pulled her 136 lb. body from the car. Shannon was pulled 50 yards by Hero, as she now calls him, to the edge of the street where she was able to notify passing motorists. "That dog is always going to have a special place in my heart," Shannon said.

Hero, formerly a resident of the Thomasville-Thomas County Humane Society in Thomasville, Georgia, has received over 50 requests for adoption. Presently, Hero is cared for by Heidy Drawdy and her husband, both animal trainers. "Hero is very intelligent and has little fear," says Heidy. Hero is being trained as a Search and Rescue dog.

The Humane Society sponsored a tape-cutting ceremony to commemorate the opening of The Thomasville Dog Park, in Thomason. Many people brought their dogs to the festivities and enjoyed food, refreshment and the light and loving atmosphere. The dog park is a portion of an existing park whereby dog owners can walk their dogs within the safety of a fenced area.

The local news was present to film this special occasion. Opening ceremonies were presided over by the president of the Thomasville-Thomas County Humane Society. Also on hand was the local fire department, which brought their own canine rescue dogs. Children of all ages enjoyed a relaxed afternoon of playing with dogs of all breeds.

Hero was fitted with a beautiful coat with his name embossed and the words "From Supreme Master Ching Hai with Love." After a description of how Hero saved Shannon Lorio from her car accident and helped her reach safety, Hero was presented a beautiful Shining World Hero Award plaque by the representatives of The Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association. The plaque's inscription was read aloud. Heidy accepted the award on Hero's behalf and received a US$200 gift for Hero. Hero, wearing his new coat, appreciated an additional treat of Green Bones.