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.

Tom has spent the last 13 years working in the defence industry, specifically military and commercial shipbuilding. His work has taken him around Europe and the Far East, he is currently based in Scotland.
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ABCRodney
ABCRodney (@guest_847402)
1 month ago

Maybe you need a Motto like the Telegraph. “UKDJ For King, Country and our Pooches”.

Cymbeline
Cymbeline (@guest_847403)
1 month ago

One hopes the offending mut and master were properly dealt with?

Nice work George, hope you and Daisy feeling better, though I think the mental scars will take longer to heal.

Quentin D63
Quentin D63 (@guest_847405)
1 month ago

Do you think “HMD Daisy” would work? Dog mauling stories are pretty awful. All the best for George’s recovery as well. And a nice looking ukdj office you have there.

Patrick
Patrick (@guest_847406)
1 month ago

Poor Daisy, good man George for protecting her. They’re not just pets, they’re family.

John F. MacMichael
John F. MacMichael (@guest_847409)
1 month ago
Reply to  Patrick

Amen!

Smickers
Smickers (@guest_847447)
1 month ago

Well done George!

Daniele Mandelli
Daniele Mandelli (@guest_847467)
1 month ago
Reply to  Patrick

Hear hear!!!!

Andrew D
Andrew D (@guest_847455)
1 month ago

Bloody hell nightmare that George, hope you and your dog recover soon glad your wife wasn’t hurt . Hope appropriate action was taken with Neighbours dog. 👍

Levi Goldsteinberg
Levi Goldsteinberg (@guest_847462)
1 month ago

That sounds a horrific experience, thrilled for you and your family that thankfully all can be recovered from

Ian
Ian (@guest_847463)
1 month ago

Really well done George for stepping in, and thanks for letting us know about this superb act Tom.
Scars heal, it’s the care about others that matters the most for all of us.. it’s why defence is so important – to look after those we love.
As said in a nifty film:
“never give up.. never surrender”

Daniele Mandelli
Daniele Mandelli (@guest_847466)
1 month ago

As a soppy animal lover myself, this post both moved me and brought me joy!
I’d have done the same for any of our pets, or any animal in need come to that.
Bravo George!!!! How many Coffees can I buy you for Daisey?

geoff49
geoff49 (@guest_847531)
1 month ago

Hi Daniele-same sentiments as you my friend. George deserves the RSPCA equivalent of the Victoria Cross!!

Daniele Mandelli
Daniele Mandelli (@guest_847539)
1 month ago
Reply to  geoff49

Hi geoff.
Well the PDSA have the Dickens medal for serving animals, the “animal VC”
The cemetery is in Ilford. I’d like to visit.
Mostly MWD and Pigeons.
Simon the cat was a famous one, I read when he died the entire ships crew came for the funeral, which I had me in bits for a while.
Not aware of human gallantry medals for animals but why not.

David Lloyd
David Lloyd (@guest_847468)
1 month ago

Who dares wins. Well done George

Crabfat
Crabfat (@guest_847488)
1 month ago

Very well done, George, on your ‘dog-ged’ defence of Daisy (thought I’d get that one in!).

Mutual care and defence between dogs and owners has been there for a long time – your recent incident is a classic example.

Very best wishes to you and to Daisy – and to Lisa, who will have her moment, soon!

geoff49
geoff49 (@guest_847528)
1 month ago

Hi George. Well done-you’re a brave man. Our animals are part of our family and Daisy is lucky to have a Dad like you to defend her. Hope Lisa is well and over the trauma and wish you both all the best for your new addition to the family. Also hope you are recovering.
Will organise more coffee
Cheers from Durban

Daniele Mandelli
Daniele Mandelli (@guest_847540)
1 month ago
Reply to  geoff49

Very well said.

AlexS
AlexS (@guest_847652)
1 month ago
Reply to  geoff49

I concur, very brave. Glad everyone recovering.

Barry Larking
Barry Larking (@guest_847558)
1 month ago

Hope George and Daisy (and Lisa let us not forget!) ‘doing well’. But such events are not easy to brush away, as I know from experience. I am of the school of thought that believes dogs that belong to responsible owners are far less likely to misbehave.

Daniele Mandelli
Daniele Mandelli (@guest_847636)
1 month ago
Reply to  Barry Larking

Spot on.
I

MattW
MattW (@guest_847586)
1 month ago

A week in hospital?

Emergency Appeal incoming?