by Srijita » Tue Jun 16, '09, 11:19 pm
Pyrenean mountain dogs (a.k.a. Great Pyrenees) are a highly alert and courageous breed. In their historic role of livestock guardian, they were known to defend their flocks to the death against predator attacks. As companion and guard dogs, they extend the same level of protection to their families. I've been lucky enough to meet (and pet) a Pyrenean, and they're just as beautiful in the flesh as they appear in photographs.
I'm haunted by the fact that this Pyrenean ran back into the burning house. What made him do that? I don't buy the "panic" theory at all; perhaps he went in to retrieve some treasured possession or aid some other living creature that he considered to be under his protection. Sounds crazy, but that's one of the more interesting suggestions made in the comments below the story. Apparently, with their acute senses, Pyreneans will be aware of other resident animals, such as rodents, and may consider them part of his "flock". Either way, Jeter is a hero.
Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive. It would be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated; but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience. - C. S. Lewis