German Shepherd Died Protecting Owners From Road Rage Shooter

Authorities said a dog is dead after taking a bullet for his family on Friday in a road-rage incident gone wrong. Witnesses have credited the German Shepherd named Noah with saving the lives of his owners when the person behind the wheel of a Ford Taurus began shooting recklessly in the direction of their vehicle.

Hobart Austin said he was a passenger in a Chevrolet Suburban which was driving on Cascade Avenue when the driver in the Taurus almost hit the car he was in. An argument ensued before the driver of the Ford decided to follow the Suburban to a mall. Upon arriving to the strip mall, located on Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard, Austin exited the car leaving three children and their mother inside.

The driver then threatened to shoot Austin. Moments after the threat was issued several bullets were fired into the SUV, shattering the window. The incident was captured on video from a security camera, but the shooter got away.

Witnesses said in order to save his family, Noah intervened. After defending the family he loved, the dog walked behind a building and died from his wounds. According to Gregory Lyon, Atlanta Police Sgt, the family survived the incident without injuries. He added:

They were fired upon and their family was terrorized and they survived that only to find that their pet is now gone. It is sad for the whole family, especially the day after Thanksgiving.

The German Shepherd dog (GSD) is considered the world’s leading police guard and military dog. According to AKC Registration Statistics this breed has consistently been one of the nation’s most popular dogs. The breed is a loving family companion, show competitor and herder. German Shepherds are direct and fearless, but approachable. The ideal choice for families, GSDs are good guard dogs and loyal family pets. German Shepherds are fun-loving, energetic and after a relationship has been established, very fond of children.

GSDs are solid canines known for their strong muscular body which is commonly tan and black. Standing as high as 26 inches at the shoulder they are large, agile dogs of high intelligence and noble spirit. Naturally the breed demonstrates an easy free trot but can reach great speeds when duty calls.

German Shepherds are said by owners to rank high when it comes to canine royalty, but breed experts say their most important attribute is character. Other notable qualities of the breed have been identified as courageous, loyal, and confident. They have the distinct ability to learn and retain orders for a remarkable number of specialized jobs and, as seen with Noah, are willing to put their lives on the line in defense of loved ones.

Noah jumped in harm’s way in order to save his owners. The road-raged gunman is still on the loose while law enforcement actively searches for him. The only description Atlanta police has for the shooter is a blue-gray colored Taurus. After an unfortunate turn of events resulting in a true “Black Friday” a German Shepherd is dead after taking a bullet for his family.  Noah was killed but thanks to his heroic gesture Hobart Austin, three children and their mother survived.

by Cherese Jackson (Virginia)

Sources:

Latin Post
American Kennel Club
Celebrity Cafe