UK Defence Journal mascot saved in rescue

At the UK Defence Journal, we’re accustomed to sharing stories of bravery and courage worldwide.

But recently, our editor, George Allison, found himself the protagonist in a dramatic rescue that has reminded us all that courage knows no bounds—even in the back garden.

Daisy, our beloved Boston Terrier and the unofficial mascot of the UK Defence Journal, is well known to our readers and team alike. Her spirited presence often brings a smile to our faces amidst the serious nature of our work.

But on a quiet afternoon recently, Daisy found herself in grave danger, and it was George’s quick thinking and sheer bravery that saved her life—though not without cost.

It began like any other day. George was working in his garden office, our “HQ”, surrounded by the peacefulness of his suburban home. Inside the house, his wife Lisa, nine months pregnant, let Daisy out for a quick run in the garden. What should have been a routine moment of freedom for Daisy quickly turned into a nightmare.

A large and aggressive dog from a neighbouring property suddenly leapt over the fence and launched a brutal attack on Daisy. The sheer force and ferocity of the assault left Daisy helpless, caught in the powerful jaws of the much larger animal. Hearing his wife’s terrifying screams, George sprang into action.

Without a moment’s hesitation, George raced from the garden office, his only thought to save Daisy. Vaulting over the fence, he threw himself into the midst of the fight. Despite the immediate and obvious danger to himself, George acted decisively and with a singular focus: to protect Daisy.

In the struggle to free Daisy, George’s arm was severely cut by the larger dog. The wound was deep, and the pain intense, but George’s focus never faltered. He managed to pry Daisy from the dog’s jaws, shielding her with his own body even as blood dripped from his injured arm. It was an act of pure instinct and love.

Once Daisy was safe, the full extent of George’s injuries and the shock of the situation began to set in. Despite his serious injury, his priority remained Daisy’s well-being. He and Lisa rushed her to the vet, where it became clear that Daisy’s injuries were severe and required immediate, intensive care. She was transferred to the Small Animal Hospital in Bearsden, Glasgow, where she spent over a week in the Intensive Care Unit.

George and Lisa were unsure if she would survive the night.

During her time in ICU, Daisy underwent a complex operation to reattach her jaw, which had been severely damaged in the attack. The surgery involved placing pins in her jaw to ensure proper healing. It was a challenging and delicate procedure, but the skilled veterinary team worked tirelessly to save her.

Daisy’s recovery was long and difficult, but after more than a week in the hospital, she was finally discharged with the pins still in place to support her healing. A month or two later, Daisy returned to the hospital to have the pins removed, marking the end of a harrowing chapter in her life.

As for George, his own wound required significant medical treatment, and he dealt with the physical and emotional aftermath of the event. Yet, even as he began to recover, George remained steadfast, focusing not on his own pain, but on the relief that Daisy, the cherished mascot of the UK Defence Journal, was safe and on the road to recovery.

The above is Daisy with pins prior to removal.

Daisy’s recovery continues, and though her time at the Small Animal Hospital was long and difficult, she is now back home, bringing joy to the team once again, albeit with a bit more caution after her ordeal. As for George, he is healing, his arm a painful reminder of the price he paid to protect her. But knowing George, he wouldn’t have had it any other way.

Ultimately, this story is one of love, courage, and the unbreakable bond between a man and his dog. And as Daisy, our beloved mascot, continues to recover from her time in the ICU and her operation, we’re reminded that heroes walk among us daily, quietly doing what needs to be done, even when no one is watching.