A Jack Russell terrier named George
George was 14-years-old when he took on a pitbull that threatened three Manaia children as they went for a walk. George had to be put down, but so did the pitbull.
George's owner Alan Gay said he was delighted with the statue.
"But I won't be getting another dog just yet. You may see 100 dogs, but you only see one that you will take home."
Fridtjof Hanson of New Plymouth who also made the Peter Snell statue at Opunake made the George's bronze.
Ode to George
By Delia Hart
The town of
Manaia has a
debt to pay,
To a Jack Russell Terrier who saved the day;
Three children saved,
- protected well,
But under savage wounds he fell.
A tender heart who fought and died,
The world now talks of him with pride;
The town of Manaia in honour did forge,
A bronze statue of a dog named George.
