Heroic Dog Saves Family from Dynamite Attack in Peru

A dog named Machis has been hailed a hero in Peru after she extinguished a stick of dynamite thrown into her owner’s yard, potentially saving her family’s lives. The incident occurred late one evening when a suspect, dressed in black, tossed the explosive into the yard of journalist Carlos Alberto Mesias Zarate. Surveillance footage captured the moment, showing the suspect fleeing the scene without checking to see if their act had succeeded.

Machis, a stout cocker spaniel mix weighing just 25 pounds, quickly reacted to the threat. She dashed down the stairs and approached the fizzing fuse of the dynamite. Remarkably, after initially poking at the fuse, she bit into it, extinguishing the flame. Authorities later identified the explosive as a type commonly used in landmines, according to NBC News.

Zarate, who described the situation as “part of his line of work,” was taken aback by Machis’s bravery. “She chewed it and chewed it and saved our lives,” he told NBC News. Following the incident, Zarate reported the attempted bombing to the authorities, who have since detained a suspect.

While the family escaped unharmed, Machis sustained an injury that left her unable to bark. Zarate noted that her vocal cords appear to have been damaged, reducing her once-robust bark to a mere rasp. “You can’t hear her bark now,” he said, reflecting on the cost of her bravery.

Despite her injury, Machis has gained fame in her local community. Stories of dogs acting as protectors are not uncommon, with many instances highlighting their selflessness. For example, a Chihuahua in Switzerland helped save her owner after he fell into a 26-foot ravine by staying at the spot where he disappeared until rescuers arrived. Similarly, another dog guided rescuers to her owner after he fell during a hiking trip.

Machis’s story serves as a reminder of the profound bonds between dogs and their owners. Her actions not only averted a potential tragedy but also showcased the instinctive bravery that many dogs display in the face of danger. As her family continues to recover from the incident, they are grateful for the loyalty and courage of their beloved pet.