Dog Carefully Catches Bird Trapped On Porch To Set It Free

Jul 07, 2020 by apost team

If you've had the pleasure of owning a dog throughout the course of your life, then you're likely aware of just how compassionate they can be. They are sweet, patient, gentle animals who want nothing more than to please their owners. Often, dogs are also able to transfer this intense compassion and desire to please towards other animals, as well. It's why you'll see videos of dogs and cats slowly becoming friends, once the dog learns how to interact with another animal in a positive manner.

One such dog, Gus, has given himself an entirely different pastime. On several occasions, birds have gotten trapped in his family's porch. Gus takes it upon himself to very carefully catch the bird and then release it outside, where it can safely fly away.

Watching a dog grab a bird, we often expect the worst. After all, traditionally speaking, many dog's purposes, when first bred, was hunting and killing animals that are smaller than them. Dozens of dog breeds exist purely to assist in birding and similar hunting sports. While many people will tell you that you can't teach an old dog new tricks, however, Gus proves not all dogs need to be taught how to be compassionate towards another animal.

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His owner, Jennifer, caught Gus helping a small, trapped bird on their porch on video. She explains that they typically leave the door open during the day so the dogs can go in and out as they please. Occasionally, a bird accidentally gets stuck on the porch and will panic, trying to get out. Gus, however, has always found a way to very carefully help the bird. Apparently, he's never tried to hurt them before. He's always very gentle and is more concerned about helping them out than trying to hunt them.  

In the video, you see Gus carefully approach the trapped bird. The bird is flapping against the glass, trying to find its escape. Gus's owner, in the background, says, "Okay, get it, Gus. Take it outside now." We watch Gus, who is clearly excited to help, take the bird in his mouth. While we aren't able to see up close and personal exactly how Gus holds the bird, you can still hear it squeaking. The bird is obviously not injured but is definitely a little scared.

His owner follows him as he goes out the porch door, carefully setting the bird on the ground. From what we can tell, Gus even tries his hardest to make sure he sets the bird on its little feet. From there, he sniffs at it, taking a step back once he's sure it's okay. Within a few seconds, the bird realizes it's free, and we watch it fly again.

Many dogs instinctively hunt birds. And, for some, catching birds like Gus caught the bird in the video can be a part of sport or play. However, you can tell by the way Gus interacts with the bird - even though he's excited to catch it - that he has no intention of hurting it. He's very careful to make sure that it is able to get away from him. While dogs are natural hunters, a dog raised around other animals and with a sweet personality is likely to want to help other animals and will treat them with basic kindness.

What do you think about Gus's actions? Do you think your dog would help a trapped bird, or just try to chase it? Have any of your animals ever caught a stray critter that lived to tell the tale? Let us know in the comments!