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When you think of courage, what do you visualize? Because courage is not based on strength, size, or status, it is about the heart and the resolution to do what is right!
This is why even the smallest animals, like a pigeon or cat, can be called brave. Here are 10 stories that prove courage can come from the most unexpected places you can imagine. Tell us at the end which one is your favorite.
1. Did You Know This Pigeon Saved 200 Soldiers in World War I?
Cher Ami is a hero of World War 1 who was credited with saving nearly 200 American soldiers by successfully delivering an important message. His goal was simple: to alert the army about the location of the trapped soldiers.
However, during this world war, it was common for armies on both sides to use pigeons to deliver messages across long distances. That is why Cher Ami was met with heavy gunfire. Despite being injured because of this, he successfully continued the mission and ultimately saved them all.
Source: National Museum of the United States Army
2. Amazing Facts: Balto the Dog Ran Through a Blizzard to Deliver Medicine
Balto is probably one of the most famous dogs to have ever existed, and he deservingly so. Back in 1925, a deadly sickness spread in a small town in Alaska. Without the right medicine, the outbreak could have caused several casualties, including children.
So, despite the heavy blizzard and snowstorm, Balto was tasked to lead a group of dogs to deliver the medicine. It was reported that his paws even bled from the ice. Today, Balto is still celebrated with multiple movies and documentaries about his life and journey.
Source: Wikipedia
3. Animal Facts: This Pig Lay in Traffic to Save Her Owner’s Life
Lulu is a pet pig hero who saved the life of her owner. One day, in August 1998, Jo-Ann, Lulu’s owner, suffered heavy chest pain and immediately knew that it was a heart attack as she had already suffered one before. But what she did not know was that Lulu sensed her pain and immediately ran through the back door.
Even though she couldn’t fit through the gate, she squeezed and forced herself. She then lay down in traffic in hopes that someone would stop, and someone did. She led the stranger back to the house, where they were able to call for help, and Lulu ultimately saved a life.
Source: Animal-intuition.net
4. Psychological Facts: This Cat Could Sense When People Were About to Die
Oscar is a cat who lived in a nursing home and was famous for being able to sense when someone was about to pass away. Nurses notice that he would make her own ward rounds and will stop by a person in one of the rooms.
Then he would lie down in the bed of certain patients, and often these people who he visited would pass away after a few hours, and he was always there with them, until the end.
Source: National Institutes of Health
5. Facts You Didn’t Know: Togo Was the Real Hero Behind Balto’s Fame
As we talked about Balto and his heroic actions above, he was not alone in that trip. Though often outshined by Balto, Togo was actually the dog who ran the longest and the hardest part of the journey.
Balto was the lead dog in the final part of the trip, for about 55 miles, but the main lead was actually Togo, who ran up front for 261 miles. However, do not make a mistake, they are both heroes who saved those children and town people by delivering the medicine despite the storm.
Source: Wikipedia
6. Historical Facts: This Stray Dog Became a Decorated War Hero
Sergeant Stubby was awarded his title because of his heroic actions that saved the US soldiers from gas attacks. He even was reported to capture one of the German spies.
Today, Sergeant Stubby is recognized as one of the most decorated dogs in American history. His remains are now preserved in the National Museum of American History.
Source: DogHeirs
7. Mind-Blowing Facts: Juliane Koepcke Survived a Fall From the Sky
Falling out of a plane and surviving is already one of the craziest feats a human can achieve. However, Juliane Koepcke did not only fall in the sky; she fell two miles through the air and landed in a jungle.
She stayed in that rainforest for a total of 11 days, and for 10 of which, she was just walking until she was found by lumberjacks. Her story became one of the greatest survival tales ever. Most people would not have even survived being left alone in a forest for days, let alone after an airplane crash.
Source: BBC
8. Animal Facts: Kabang the Dog Risked Her Life to Save Two Kids
Kabang is one of the most heroic dogs who has been recognized internationally. She was recorded purposely jumping in front of a speeding motorcycle that was about to hit two little girls in the Philippines.
Because of this action, she lost half of her face but ultimately saved both children. Because of her story, people from around the world donated money for her surgery. She died peacefully in her sleep back in 2021.
Source: DogClub.com
9. Unknown Facts: A Guide Dog Led Her Owner to Safety on 9/11
A guide dog named Roselle led her blind owner down 78 floors through smoke and all the panic from that event. She stayed as calm as possible and made sure that her owner did not get lost and was able to get out safely out of the building.
She did not let go of him even once, despite having the ability to run to safety by herself. Time and time again, dogs have proven why they are man’s best friend and just how much loyalty could go.
Source: American Kennel Club
10. Historical Facts: This Cat Was a Wartime Hero on a Navy Ship
During a war at sea in 1949, there is a cat named Simon in one of the ships. He was considered a hero by the crew mainly because of his ability to raise morale on the ship.
He also controlled the rat infestation, which could have easily made the ship unhygienic and caused some health problems for the crew. During a blast, he was injured, but despite it, he was able to continue serving on the ship, earning the respect and admiration of his peers.
Source: Ottawa Humane Society
Author's Final Thoughts
These stories remind us that heroes can also fly, wag their tails, waddle, or limp. Whether it is just a cat staying beside the last hours of elderly people, a dog guiding his owner to safety, or someone trying to save herself, the courage they have shown will surely leave a mark in history.
If you want to read more stories and facts similar to the ones above, here is another article that will surely break your heart or inspire you. Let us know which of the stories above you have come to love the most!
Related: 10 Amazing Facts That Will Break Your Heart and Inspire You
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Which war in 1949?