Heroic Dog Receives PETA Award for Battling Home Intruder

Dog Who Defended Guardian and Scared Off Attacker Honored With Goody Bag

For Immediate Release:
May 28, 2015

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382

A framed Heroic Dog Award is on its way from PETA to the Wyandotte home of Sarah Powers and Joe Peterson in recognition of their beloved 11-year-old dog Sadie’s recent brave actions during a confrontation with a home intruder. On May 12, Powers came out of the bathroom to find an unknown invader punching Sadie, who continued to lunge, growl, and bare her teeth at the man until he fled the home. Sadie, who was uninjured, will receive a gift basket filled with toys and vegan treats from PETA. Powers told media, “I’m glad she was here. She literally saved the day, so we’re pretty proud of her.”

“Many dogs are known to go to heroic lengths to protect a human friend, as this beloved dog did,” says PETA Senior Director Colleen O’Brien. “PETA hopes her story will encourage all guardians to remember that dogs are loyal family members and to treat their canine companions well by taking them on walks, playing with them, and showering them with affection.”

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—offers tips for helping animal companions on its website.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.