Gone but not forgotten, this ebony Labrador retriever (often mistaken for a Newfoundland dog) leaves behind a legacy of valor. Dubbed “Swansea Jack,” he derived his name from the nearby Swansea River in Wales, England. But why name a companion after a body of water? Perhaps because this courageous canine risked his own life to rescue nearly 30 individuals during his brief existence.

In the midst of the 1930s, Swansea Jack sprang into action when he witnessed a young boy struggling in the river’s depths. Without hesitation, he plunged in, dragging the child to safety, and thereafter, continued to brave the waters to save countless others. A true hero, he received the prestigious Silver Cup of Bravery from the Mayor of London and was immortalized in a bronze statue.