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 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.
Please do not reproduce these images without permission from Puke Ariki.
Contact us for more information or you can order images online here.
