On a bright, sunny, early summer day, three of them, Dante, Cisco and Elvis, were there to avert a potential disaster when a lonely and bewildered man decided to do something terrible. They showed him unconditional friendship in the form of wagging tails and a very familiar, to those of us dog lovers, doggy greeting. That unfamiliar show of affection to this man changed his mind and saved Toronto from a devastating situation. That confused soul turned himself in and admitted what he had been plotting – all due to the friendship of a dog and his pals. A stash of weapons was found in his car and a sigh of relief was breathed that they were not used as intended.

On this day we honoured three of those four-legged creatures … kind, loving creatures, our best friends. Those who show us every day what unconditional love is. Those who give us lucky people joy and make us feel better every day. Those, who in a moment of friendship and affection, showed an unfortunate man who doesn’t experience that love every day, what it can feel like.

On hand for this event were many people, including a local politician, a local celebrity, and many sponsors who donated time and materials for this event. Also on hand were many doggy pals of Dante, Cisco and Elvis, along with their people. Surprisingly, there were a lot of dog-less people, those who do not share their lives with furry friends, but none the less can appreciate the enormity of what these local heroes did for us.

Dante, Cisco and Elvis received numerous medals, gifts and treats, and lots and lots of attention. Which, as we all know, is the best thing in the world to a dog. There were more than enough treats to go around, for the dogs and for their people, thanks to local sponsors.

After it was over, we all returned to what comes naturally, playing with our best friends, and enjoying their love and affection. And perhaps reflecting just a little more than usual how these wonderful animals affect our lives.