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In an incredible last act of heroism, an Atlanta guide dog named Simon is responsible for saving the life of a 4-year old boy, despite his own life-threatening injuries.
On Monday, David Furukawa was walking his young son, Will, to school. Because Furukawa is visually-impaired, his guide dog, Simon, an 80-pound Boxer, joined them on the walk.
As the family crossed an Atlanta intersection, witnesses say a car failed to stop at a stop sign and collided, first, with Simon and then struck Furukawa. Despite severe injuries, the heroic dog jumped up and pushed 4-year old Will out of the way of the moving car in time to save him from being struck as well.
When bystanders picked up Will and carried him home to his mother, Simon followed along the entire way, making sure the boy was safe.
“Broken leg, gash on his side and internal bleeding, but he followed us home,” Furukawa told NBC NewsChannel 11. “Once he was sure Will was OK, he laid down.”
Family members quickly rushed Simon to a nearby emergency veterinarian, but the heroic pup tragically died on the way.
Furukawa was hospitalized with a broken elbow, knee, and heel, but is expected to make a complete recovery.
According to Atlanta Police, the driver of the vehicle, Calvin Armour, was only ticketed for running a stop sign and failing to yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk. (Yes, that’s it.)
Pilot Dogs of Columbus, Ohio, the organization that paired Simon with Furukawa, says they will place another trained guide dog with him.
But, Furukawa will always treasure those last heroic moments in his beloved dog’s life, saying, “This is true loyalty and courage.”
Rest in peace, Simon.
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Oct 3, 2013 at 7:01 am
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Keepalowprofile
Sep 29, 2013 at 6:00 pm
OMG I can’t stop crying. What a noble dog.
Dog bless you, Simon.
Renee
Sep 28, 2013 at 8:08 pm
I’m so sorry to hear about simon his family. rest in peace sweet boy. I hope person who ran the stop sign faces charges. get well soon
cary norkus
Sep 28, 2013 at 11:23 am
My deepest sympathy goes out to Simons family. This guy should have been charged with some sort of criminal neglect. His actions caused destruction of personal property and injury to a person. Cant believe the only option for police was to issue a citation. We can only hope that further charges are pending.
Lorri Rowlett
Sep 28, 2013 at 10:31 am
What a brave dog, I am glad that he was able to go knowing that he had saved his boy. What joy for all involved at the bridge where he is waiting for you.
Jade Paasimaa
Sep 28, 2013 at 7:16 am
I came here to show respect for Simon.What a true hero.I am in tears for him.. :'(
vicki
Sep 27, 2013 at 9:51 pm
God bless Simon. A true hero. And what about that piece of crap getting away with it!
Laura Cranford
Sep 27, 2013 at 8:53 pm
So sorry for your loss of Simon. I know how close you were with him & he to you. I to have a service dog for my diabetes & he has saved my life 5 times in the last 7 years. I can’t imagine my life without him. Just know that Simon may not be there physically anymore but he will always be with you spiritually.
BreeAnna McManus
Sep 27, 2013 at 8:45 pm
only died because the people didn’t pick him up too… 🙁
Jacqueline Williams
Sep 27, 2013 at 7:24 pm
Dear Family, So sorry for your tragic loss. At the very least this man should be made responsible for medical bills and the cost of Simon and a new guide dog. RIP Simon, you are a testament to the faithfulness of dogs.
An angry pet parent
Sep 27, 2013 at 7:24 pm
I am so sorry about Simon. May he rest in peace with the Lord.
Bruce
Sep 27, 2013 at 6:34 pm
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your faithful companion and guide dog. He demonstrated his commitment and dedication until that end. No one will ever replace him but in reality, no one should. May dad heal and the entire family find comfort in knowing Simon loved his family and was willing to sacrifice everything for you. Unfortunately, the judicial system fails us more than resulting in justice…try not to focus on that but on the love you and Simon shared during his life.
Dee Dee
Sep 27, 2013 at 6:21 pm
If that driver would have killed the child, he would have gotten more than a traffic ticket. That is a shame that this happened, just because someone decided they did not have to follow the law and stop at the stop sign. I am glad this dog saved his human. My heart goes out to the lil boy and his family and this brave dog.
Diana
Sep 27, 2013 at 6:08 pm
Rest in peace, Simon.
You are beautiful.
Rita
Sep 27, 2013 at 5:13 pm
I feel sorry for the dog and his family for their loss, but at least he helped save his family from the same fate. It breaks my heart to see this, but at least he was doing his job and caring for the ones he loved.
Gail Nowaczyk
Sep 27, 2013 at 5:02 pm
Simon was a very special dog. He gave his life for you and your son. May he rest in peace. And he will be at the Rainbow Bridge will be waiting for you. The Man who hit you all, should have been given prision time. He killed one of Gods creatures, who was doing his job of protecting you and your son. God Bless all guide animals for being there to help people. May God loving take care of Simon, and protect other guide dogs for you.
Lisa McAllister
Sep 27, 2013 at 4:29 pm
I am so sorry about Simon,know he is waiting for you at the Rainbow Bridge, in God’s loving care. What he did for you and your son, he did out of pure love and loyalty. May God bless you and your family, and may the next guide dog be able to fill your needs and Simon’s boots.