RIVER RESCUE LEADS TO DOG OF THE YEAR AWARDRICHMOND DALE, Ohio -- A dog which pulled its owner from a frozen river has been named the most heroic canine of the year.The Skippy Dog Hero of the Year competition has been running for 46 years and honors pets which have shown bravery or brilliance. This year's winner, Biyou, is a three-year-old part Australian shepherd from Richmond Dale, Ohio. Biyou rescued owner Lisa Parker after she slipped through the ice trying to help a trapped horse. Biyou heard her screams for help, came running and pulled her through the ice to safety. Parker, 42, had to climb a near vertical bank and walk 200 yards to her house. The freezing temperature and soaked clothing caused her to collapse on the way. Biyou's incessant prodding and pawing urged her to the top of the bank where she collapsed. The dog then licked her face until she mustered enough strength to get to her house. "I went to the creek to rescue my horse," said Parker, "and I ended up being the one who needed to be rescued. Biyou saved my life several times that morning - by pulling me out of the water and by urging me to make it back to the house each time I didn't think I could go any further." The horse perished. "If it wouldn't have been for her, I would have either drowned or frozen to death. She is my hero and guardian angel." Biyou's prize was a year's pet food and grooming, plus an inscribed dog bowl.
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