Solemn day as hero George makes final trip home

RICHARD WOODD richard.woodd@tnl.co.nz - Taranaki Wednesday, 9 May 2007
George the Jack Russell came home yesterday. Steve Hopkinson, the Manaia vet who had to put George down after he was savaged by pitbulls, delivered a small box of ashes to the kids next door to where George lived with Alan Gay.
Eleven days ago, George died trying to protect these children.
The box is marked with a small brass plaque that reads: "George. Our Hero."
Yesterday the children carried the box to Mr Gay's place and it was handed over in silence. The vet also passed on an e-mail from Canada, by someone named Kelly, who wanted permission to put George's photo in a calendar published as a memorial to people who have "lost their furkids".
Mr Hopkinson told Mr Gay that George's injuries, when examined under anaesthetic, were far worse than he at first concluded and he had no other choice than euthanasia.
Mr Gay said he has had more phone calls, from people in Washington, Houston, Montana, Wyoming, California and South Africa.
He says his life is different without George around. "I get up in the morning and he's not there to do his little trip. He used to go up to the local garage, then round to George Brewer's and piddle on his post.
"I miss talking to him. It's like losing a family member, a brother."
Contact with an earlier owner had revealed that George was 14 years old, not nine as he had thought.
A planned memorial to George will be erected in Manaia. A media release from the South Taranaki District Council, published yesterday, incorrectly stated the memorial would be in Hawera. Radio station Classic Hits has begun an appeal for funds.