DOGS AS HEROES!

Brutis was a 7 year old golden retriever when he became a hero in 2004. That's when the loveable pooch snatched up a coral snake as it was slithering dangerously close to a young child, suffering a near-deadly bite from the snake in the process. His heroics did not go unnoticed however, as Brutis was promptly flown to Los Angeles to recieve the National Hero Dog award.

Said the committee who awarded the medal, "when we give an award like this, we're looking for something extra, something that would make people wonder why a dog would do what he did."

There are a lot of stories which makes us think about how dogs are so smart and are essential in our lifes!

There is the MATEO Story is very interesting and sweet to know how animals can save our lifes!

JULIA'S BIOGRAPHY

Julia Butterfly Hill (born February 18, 1974) is an American activist and environmentalist. Hill is best known for living in a 180-foot-tall, 600-year-old redwood tree for 738 days between December 10, 1997 to December 18, 1999. Hill lived barefoot in the tree, affectionately known as "Luna," to prevent loggers of the Pacific Lumber Company from cutting it down.

Author, environmentalist, vegan, and social change activist, she is known for her extraordinary commitment to saving the Redwood Forest through her Luna Tree-sit, and ongoing efforts to educate, inspire, and further the movement for peace and social justice. She was awarded the Courage of Conscience award October 31, 2002.

Originally, Hill was not officially affiliated with any environmental organization, deciding by herself to undertake the act of civil disobedience. Soon, Hill was actively supported by Earth First!, among other organizations and volunteers.

A resolution was reached in 1999 when the Pacific Lumber Company agreed to preserve Luna and all trees within a 3-acre buffer zone. In exchange, Hill agreed to vacate the tree. In addition, $50,000 that Hill and other activists raised during the cause was given to the logging company (a somewhat controversial action amongst fellow activists), as stipulated by the resolution. The $50,000 Earth First! paid to Pacific Lumber was then donated to a local university to do research about sustainable forestry.

In 1999, Hill and other activists founded the organization Circle of Life Foundation.

The tree was later attacked with a chainsaw. The gash to the 200-foot-tall redwood was discovered November 2001 by one of Hill's supporters. Observers at the scene said the cut measured 32 inches deep and 19 feet around the base, somewhat less than half the circumference of the tree. The gash was treated with an herbal remedy and the tree was stabilized with steel cables. As of spring 2007, the tree is doing well with new growth each year. Caretakers routinely climb the tree to check on its condition and to maintain the steel guywires.

Hill is the author of the book The Legacy of Luna and co-author of One Makes the Difference.

Luna eventually married the tree.

Matthew Henson, Alexander Henson was born to free African American parents in Charles County, Maryland on August 8, 1886. In 1867 Matthew's parents sold their farm and moved to Georgetown, Maryland just outside Washington D.C.

When Matthew was 13 he took a position as a cabin boy on a merchant ship. In the next five years he traveled the world while learning everything he could about seamanship. But, due to the racism and prejudice he experienced from white sailors, he left his life at sea when he was 18.

Soon after returning to the east coast, Matthew met Robert Peary, a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy. Peary offered Henson a job as his servant on an expedition to Nicaragua. During this time Henson demonstrated abilities in ways that proved extremely valuable to the expedition. As a result, Peary asked him to be part of an expedition that would ultimately reach the north pole.

Each expedition over the next two decades started from Greenland. It was here that Henson's experience at each attempt proved invaluable. He learned everything necessary from the native Innuit to live in the extreme climates of this hostile environment. In turn, he was responsible for training each member of the expedition including Commander Peary.

Finally, on April 7, 1909 Peary, Henson and several Innuit reached the north pole. It would not be for several decades though, that Henson would receive any credit at all for his contribution to the expedition. had on the expedition.

Matthew Henson died on March 9th 1955. Four years later, on April 6, 1959, a memorial plaque honoring the accomplishments of this great explorer was placed in the Maryland State House. Throughout his life Matthew Henson overcame great adversity. In doing so he demonstrated the finest qualities of the human spirit.