Service dogs are vigorously trained to learn how to help people with different kinds of health conditions. The following dogs have been referred to as life-savers as they have helped their owners in life-threatening situations…

1. Orlando

Cecil Williams, a blind and then 60-year-old man, was riding the New York City subway where his guide dog, Orlando, was accompanying him. Williams fainted and started to tumble off of the platform when Orlando acted quickly to keep the man from falling down. However, Williams fell onto the tracks.

Orlando then jumped down onto the tracks to move Cecil out of harms ways since a train was approaching. While the train operator tried to stop in time, the train passed over them as Williams and Orlando both laid in the middle of the tracks. The two were unharmed except for a minor cut on Williams’ head.

2. Salty

A couple of guide dogs were able to help their owners during the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center. Salty, the yellow Labrador, was one of them. Just before the attack, Salty was with his owner — Omar Rivera — in Tower One on the 71st floor. After the explosion, Salty began to lead Omar through the smoke and fumes down the stairs and outside.

3. Figo

Audrey Stone is a blind owner of service dogs, one named Figo. One day he saw that a school bus was going to hit her so he ran at the bus and flung his body in the way in order to take the blow. However, the bus hit them both. They both survived with some injuries, but none of them were life-threatening. The police chief said the dog took most of the blow.

4. Yolanda

Christina Colon has a Golden Retriever guide dog named Yolanda. In 2013, intruders tried to get into her home, but Yolando pulled Colon’s bedroom door closed in order to protect her and ran downstairs to confront the thieves. They got scared and ran away.

5. Nell

Lesley Hailwood started choking on chocolate that she had eaten while at home, but no one was there to help her, except for one of her dogs. Nell, Hailwood’s guide dog, is a German Shephard-Golden Retriever mix. The dog was able to put his two front paws on Lesley Hailwood’s chest and dislodge the chocolate thus, saving her life.

Dogs Don’t Have to Be Trained to Help

Not all dogs have to be trained service dogs in order to help. Some react in times of need because of their natural instincts.

Starting a home garden can be quite rewarding. It’s a fun and fulfilling hobby that nurtures new life and brings beauty to any indoor or outdoor space. September is a great time for plant propagation as it’s still warm, sunny, and the cuttings will have plenty of time to grow into strong plants by the time spring comes around. These five tips should help ensure successful propagation!

Get Cuttings From the Strongest Plants

Using cuttings from your strongest and healthiest plants for propagation is the best way to raise new ones of the same quality. Whether you’re especially proud of a rose bush in your yard or one of your fruit-bearing trees, do a bit of research on how to take quality cuttings from them. A plant grown from cuttings will always be the same as the mother plant while ones grown from seeds could differ in quality!

Choose the Cuttings Carefully

If you’re looking for cuttings that will take root faster, it’s best to choose green stems. Look for ones that have a bump or a node because this is where the new roots will grow from. Alternatively, if you don’t mind nurturing the plants through a slower rooting process but are concerned about them reacting badly to changes in greenhouse temperature, then choose cuttings that are semi-ripened and turning woody at the base.

Pot The Cuttings as Soon as Possible

Although the technique of allowing cuttings to root in water first before planting them in the soil is well-known and popular, it isn’t the safest bet and many cuttings don’t make it. There are many variants of potting soil and healthy additions that can be mixed in to help nourish the cuttings as they take root and become strong plants in their own right.

Maintain Soil Moisture During Root Development

While the cuttings are still without roots, they will require a lot of moisture to survive. Make sure that the soil for your rooting plants is always moist so that the roots can form as quickly and easily as possible. Other tricks to improve moisture retention are to cut the cuttings diagonally for optimal absorption and to use a plastic cover during the early stages.

Have Patience

Even with the best tools, techniques, and intentions, propagating a plant won’t always be completely successful. Some cuttings might not make it and that’s just part of the experience. The important thing is not to get disheartened, continue trying, and always continue expanding your knowledge from personal experience and reliable sources.