This Dog Ran Toward Danger—and Her Heroism Saved an Entire Family
In a moment of pure bravery, a family dog in Lima, Peru may have saved her loved ones from tragedy. As per NBC News, security footage from journalist Carlos Alberto Mesias Zarate’s home shows his loyal pup, Manchis, springing into action when a hooded stranger tossed a lit stick of dynamite into the yard in the early hours of August 24. (Scroll Down to Watch Video)
Instead of running from danger, the 25-pound Cocker Spaniel mix ran straight toward it and ultimately extinguished the deadly fuse. Zarate says his courageous dog’s quick instincts stopped the explosive from detonating and saved his entire family from an unthinkable fate.
How a Loyal Dog Stopped a Lit Explosive
The security footage shows Manchis barking fiercely as a hooded figure approaches and drops something into the yard. She descends a few stairs, continuing to sound the alarm, just as the person tosses a lit stick of dynamite into the courtyard.
When the explosive lands just off camera, Manchis charges toward it without hesitation, pawing and sniffing at the dangerous device. Incredibly, she grabs the fuse in her mouth, extinguishing it and preventing the dynamite—typically used in landmines—from detonating. Her brave interference may have saved her entire family.
Zarate told NBC News that his brave pup “chewed it and chewed it, and saved our lives.” He added that Manchis’ quick actions protected not only him, but also the 10 family members and three other dogs who share their home.
Heroism Comes at a Personal Cost
Manchis’ bravery came at a cost. Zarate said that the heroic Cocker Spaniel mix suffered damage to her vocal cords during the incident, leaving her bark with a low rasp. She is now recovering from her injuries, but her courageous spirit remains unchanged.
Authorities in Peru have since detained a suspect in connection with the attack. Zarate believes the assault was linked to his work as a journalist.
The dog parent’s employer, Central de Noticias, emphasized that the attack was part of a broader threat to press freedom. They also highlighted Manchis’ quick thinking, saying it “prevented a dynamite attack from turning into tragedy,” and recognized her as a true four-legged hero.
