A boxer named Simon who was a guide dog for his visually impaired owner, Dave Furukawa, is being hailed as a hero with one final act after being struck by a car recently in Atlanta, Ga. Furukawa, had counted on Simon as his companion and guide for the last four years.
This past Monday, Furukawa was walking his child Will to school with Simon by their side. As they crossed the street, a car suddenly ran a stop sign at a high rate of speed and struck Simon, then his owner, Dave Furukawa.
Although Simon's injuries would prove to be fatal, what he did next according to witnesses was an act of true loyalty and courage. Just seconds after he was struck by the car, Simon, an 80 pound Boxer, got up and pushed his owner's child to safety. According to Furukawa, "What people have said is that Simon either got up or jumped out, and pushed my son out of the path of the car."
Witnesses then lifted Will, the child and ran him down the street to his mother. Simon, although suffering from a broken leg, a large gash on his side and internal bleeding went with them. One he was sure that Will was ok, only then did Simon lay down. Family members rushed Simon to an emergency vet clinic, but sadly the boxer died on the way.
The family is now mourning the loss of their beloved dog but Dave Furukawa says he will move on with the spirit of Simon. He is eternally grateful that because of Simon, he still has his son. Pilot Dogs, Inc., of Columbus, Ohio, who had originally provided Simon to the family will give Dave Furukawa another guide dog.
This past Monday, Furukawa was walking his child Will to school with Simon by their side. As they crossed the street, a car suddenly ran a stop sign at a high rate of speed and struck Simon, then his owner, Dave Furukawa.
Although Simon's injuries would prove to be fatal, what he did next according to witnesses was an act of true loyalty and courage. Just seconds after he was struck by the car, Simon, an 80 pound Boxer, got up and pushed his owner's child to safety. According to Furukawa, "What people have said is that Simon either got up or jumped out, and pushed my son out of the path of the car."
Witnesses then lifted Will, the child and ran him down the street to his mother. Simon, although suffering from a broken leg, a large gash on his side and internal bleeding went with them. One he was sure that Will was ok, only then did Simon lay down. Family members rushed Simon to an emergency vet clinic, but sadly the boxer died on the way.
The family is now mourning the loss of their beloved dog but Dave Furukawa says he will move on with the spirit of Simon. He is eternally grateful that because of Simon, he still has his son. Pilot Dogs, Inc., of Columbus, Ohio, who had originally provided Simon to the family will give Dave Furukawa another guide dog.
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How incredale. What a special dog. Im very sorry for your loss. He will always be in your hearts.
Sad to have such a spirit in our kindred animal and lose them. www.rainbowbridge.com
A beautiful spirit and most loyal human kindred, so very sad to lose him.
What an increditable dog. I am sorry for your loss. He will always be in your hearts.
I hope they have a lead on the driver that murdered Simon. I'm so glad your son is safe, but not surprised. Our canine friends prove over and over again just how loyal they are. Simon is with the best of them, crossing over Rainbow Bridge, knowing that he did one last good thing for his family. My prayers are with you.
So very sorry for your loss simon is still with you every step of your life helping your new buddy to love and protect you he saved your son you keep your chin up dave and cherish your days had with your hero
What a tragic end to a relationship that has no real words to explain. I feel very bad for your loss. I know that Simon & Dave will always be a team. That bond and heroic action goes to show how far a back will go to protect their own, to the last breath. I wish you well.
RIP sweet, loving, loyal Simon. I hope they catch the person who ran them down and I hope they pay dearly.
he was a very brave and smart dog to save 2 lives.
my heart goes out to you and your family for your losss. Simon was very special and he loved you all dearly and he proved that right up to the end!! God Bless ,his soul because to love you have to have a soul!!
A brave dog!He will be missed by your family.Simon was very special and loved your family very much.
My heart breaks for you. What a wonderful dog!!!
Bless your beloved Boxer & your family . you meant every thing to him & he knew you loved him as he loved you .pure love. The best .. Respect .
Brave dog. He did show the ultimate act of love and loyalty.