I gotta' brag on Sage a little bit!

[Raumas]

Greetings All,

Two weekends ago, Sage came to my rescue:

Before I tell the story, I need to stress that Sage is not trained as a guard dog or an attack dog. She was raised to love everybody unless otherwise indicated. She does love just about everybody. But still, a Husky/Akita mix who's upset with you can look mighty...impressive.

Now for the story:
Sage and I have a weekend morning ritual of having coffee on the patio of the local Starbucks. This is a very social event for Sage, as she knows all the locals and always gets lots of positive attention.

On this particular morning, there was a homeless person's cart on the other side of the patio. I noted it, but didn't give much thought to it. When the homeless guy came outside, he stood glaring at me. That was when I realized he had a knife in his hand.

I'm not sure whether Sage was reacting to my body language or the homeless guy's, but she began growling low in her throat. This caused the guy to grab a club out of his cart. (He had a weapon in each hand at this point.) He started coming towards me yelling;

"You killed my mother! You killed my mother!...babble,babble,babble" (Oh joy...a crazy person.)

Sage started barking and growling for real at this point. Then she moved in a wide circle to a flanking position. She didn't close on him, she just kept barking and growling. When the crazy guy turned to Sage, I brought his attention back to me by telling him where I was going to shove that club if he didn't get out of my face. (Sage isn't the only one who can be rather impressive when upset.)

The guy didn't like it. he couldn't face me with out turning his back to Sage, and visa-versa. His only option was to retreat. He yelled profanities the whole time, but he left the immediate area.

People came pouring out of Starbucks to make sure we're alright. The Police were called, and the guy was arrested. (Lots of eye witnesses willing to give statements.)

Sage was highly praised and petted by the witnesses. The police said she couldn't have done it any better. Starbuck's manager brought her out a big bowl of whipped cream. Sage accepted it all as her just reward.

I think I've got a keeper!

Raumas

[Dracko]

OMG! That is a great story. It amazes me when I see these dogs who are so loving and passive change like that when the situation calls for it.

I don't think I'd want to be on the receiving end of my GSD if someone was threatening me.

[Love4himies]

Your doggie is a hero. I do feel sorry for the homeless man, sounds like he may have schizophrenia (sp??) and needs hospitalization and meds, otherwise he may be dangerous to society.

[Love4himies]

I wonder what Sage would have done if the man turned his back and started to run.

[CearaQC]

That brought tears... I dunno why. But what an awesome story!

Must have been so frightening for you. What a good dog!

Actually I'm kinda surprised that no one ran out to help you until after the guy ran away.

[Raumas]

Originally Posted by Love4himies

I wonder what Sage would have done if the man turned his back and started to run.

Sage was content to see him leave. Sage loves people, and is very gentle by nature. She just wanted the problem to go away. I doubt she would have pursued it further.

And I agree with your other post. The guy does need some help. Unfortunately, when the police showed up, he started acting quite proper. ("Yes Sir, No Sir, Three bags full Sir!") So he effectively disqualified himself for the 72 hour hold for psychiatric evaluation that I originally suggested for him. In light of all the eye witnesses to his earlier actions, the police had no choice but to assume he was deliberately misbehaving. As a result, he went to jail (briefly)instead.

Raumas

[SARAH]

Wow, that whipped cream was deserved, for sure!!

I know my Hovawart would have done the same, he once growled at a waiter coming to take my plate yes, in France dogs are allowed in restaurants, provided they behave.

[Chris21711]

Sage is surely a heroine. Do you realise what a tease it is for those of us who live north of the 49th, reading that you are sitting on the patio having your morning cuppa when we are still digging out from under 3ft of snow

[hazelrunpack]

Good girl, Sage! What a grand girl you have there, Raumas. It's not bragging when it's such well-deserved praise!

I'm just glad you're both okay.

[Raumas]

Originally Posted by Chris21711

Sage is surely a heroine. Do you realise what a tease it is for those of us who live north of the 49th, reading that you are sitting on the patio having your morning cuppa when we are still digging out from under 3ft of snow

Well, I have to admit it's not snowing here in Salinas. (Right at the 36th.) But we take our morning coffee outside when it is snowing too. If only I could talk Starbucks into installing a firepit...

Sage is pretty much oblivious to cold. And I enjoy cold mornings. (Provided I'm properly dressed for it, of course.)

We draw the line at wind and rain. That's just miserable!

Raumas