PLUMSTEAD: Bravery award for dog hurt saving owner in machete attack

Patricia Adshead holding a picture of Oi Patricia Adshead holding a picture of Oi

A BRAVE dog has been awarded the animal equivalent of the George Cross after protecting its owner from a gang wielding machetes.

Staffordshire bull terrier Oi was posthumously honoured with the highest award for civilian animal bravery, the PDSA Gold Medal.

The 15-year-old pet leapt into action when a gang armed with machetes forced their way into her family’s home in July 2008.

Owner Patricia Adshead, of Maxey Road, Plumstead, was making a cup of tea when three men wearing balaclavas broke into her home.

Her ex-husband came running downstairs to help.

Ms Adshead said: “He kicked one of them down the stairs but another severed his hand. It was hanging by a thread.”

The 62-year-old added: “I was trapped in the kitchen with Oi and one of the men. He raised the machete over my head.

“Oi jumped up and bit his hand. He brought the machete down on her head but she still chased him out of the house.

“If she hadn’t gone for him I would have been dead. She saved my life.”

Oi was rushed to the Thamesmead PDSA PetAid hospital, The Freda Powell Centre, in Eynsham Drive.

The mother of four said: “The PDSA saved her life. They did a fantastic job and gave her another two years.

“I only wish Oi could have lived long enough to accept her medal.”

Oi died from cancer in March.

The People's Dispensary for Sick Animals charity gives free health care to animals owned by people on low incomes.

Comments(9)

It's Me again ! says...
5:24pm Wed 7 Jul 10

What a brave dog and rightly deserving of the award.
RIP Oi xx

PengeLiberal says...
11:31pm Wed 7 Jul 10

The animal equivalent of the George cross? how funny !


Whatever next? Pickles the shot at cat will be getting 3 purple paws, the animal equivalent of purple hearts

Citygirl83 says...
8:43am Thu 8 Jul 10

PengeLiberal wrote:
The animal equivalent of the George cross? how funny ! Whatever next? Pickles the shot at cat will be getting 3 purple paws, the animal equivalent of purple hearts
This womans dog saved her life and you mock it. Would have rather have been reading that this woman had been killed then?
I also read your comments left on the story regarding pickles.
If you are 92, as you said in a comment on there, I would have thought better of you than leaving childish comments.
Also you told another person who commented on that story to show some respect, how about you take your own advice.

porkpie says...
11:03am Thu 8 Jul 10

PengeLiberal wrote:
The animal equivalent of the George cross? how funny ! Whatever next? Pickles the shot at cat will be getting 3 purple paws, the animal equivalent of purple hearts
And why not? Many animals have saved humans. You remember the war, what about all the animals that saved peoples live then. We are not that far apart.

Atmydesk says...
12:05pm Thu 8 Jul 10

This has been sent to the DDA (Dangerous Dogs Act) Watch.
It is refreshing to see a positive story about bull breeds as opposed to the normal 'Vicious Dog bites child' story which has become commonplace in the news today.

PengeLiberal says...
12:15pm Thu 8 Jul 10

No need to get all shirty you poor sensitive creatures

I call 'em as I see 'em

Medals for dogs is just an hilarious concept that's all, you berate an old man for having a sense of humour you nasty mob of bigots

Dartford1968 says...
12:13pm Fri 9 Jul 10

Citygirl83 wrote:
PengeLiberal wrote: The animal equivalent of the George cross? how funny ! Whatever next? Pickles the shot at cat will be getting 3 purple paws, the animal equivalent of purple hearts
This womans dog saved her life and you mock it. Would have rather have been reading that this woman had been killed then? I also read your comments left on the story regarding pickles. If you are 92, as you said in a comment on there, I would have thought better of you than leaving childish comments. Also you told another person who commented on that story to show some respect, how about you take your own advice.
Well said Citygirl, some people just have no respect. Dogs that risk their lives for people should be credited. We have some outstanding Police Dogs that do a great job and mocking an animals act of courage doesnt deserve reading or even repying to. Perhaps if a an animal were to save their life or a family member they would think differently.

PengeLiberal says...
12:22pm Fri 9 Jul 10

Dartford1968 wrote:
Citygirl83 wrote:
PengeLiberal wrote: The animal equivalent of the George cross? how funny ! Whatever next? Pickles the shot at cat will be getting 3 purple paws, the animal equivalent of purple hearts
This womans dog saved her life and you mock it. Would have rather have been reading that this woman had been killed then? I also read your comments left on the story regarding pickles. If you are 92, as you said in a comment on there, I would have thought better of you than leaving childish comments. Also you told another person who commented on that story to show some respect, how about you take your own advice.
Well said Citygirl, some people just have no respect. Dogs that risk their lives for people should be credited. We have some outstanding Police Dogs that do a great job and mocking an animals act of courage doesnt deserve reading or even repying to. Perhaps if a an animal were to save their life or a family member they would think differently.
Idiot1968

I wasn't so much mocking a dog as the humans that thought giving the dog a gong was a great idea

I imagine the dog when it's old in a pub tell war stories to young puppies, barking on about all the Rottweilers that have lowered the tone of the place and showing off his "George Cross"

LOLDONGS !

When you ****-U-ME Dartfordian dweeb you make an **** out of U and ME

Have a day

PengeLiberal says...
12:24pm Fri 9 Jul 10

ASSUME is a naughty word?

What a load of BULL hey Simon

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