January 25, 2006
Courier-Mail, Queensland

A FAITHFUL cattle dog called Lassie lived up to her famous namesake when she delivered help to her elderly master after he fell from a horse.

Photo: SHE'S a legend . . . George Crowther, 90, holds a picture of Lassie, who probably saved his life. Picture: Brian Casey.

George Crowther, 90, was left with a broken pelvis when he was thrown from the horse on his Tarzali farm, just outside Cairns, at dusk on January 4.

But what happened next left Mr Crowther in awe of his 13-month-old cattle dog.

Speaking from Cairns Private Hospital yesterday, Mr Crowther said he owed his life to his furry companion.

"Well, I got on a horse 10,000 times before, but why this happened, I do not know," he said. "I just got up (on the horse) for the joy of riding for a few minutes."

Then, his foot became caught in the reins and the horse bucked.

"The next thing I know, her two back legs were looking up at the moon and her head was on my chest," Mr Crowther said.

The impact broke Mr Crowther's pelvis, and left him laying in pain for two hours, but he had his faithful dog by his side.

Lassie only left her master when Mr Crowther's wife, Olive, called out for him.

"The dog never moved, the dog stayed with me until the wife called and then she shot off," he said. "(Mrs Crowther) said to the dog 'where's George?' and the dog turned around and said, more or less, 'follow me' and led her straight to where I was."

Mr Crowther said he would probably not get back on a horse again.

While he hoped to be back home as soon as possible, with 37 screws, 32 staples and 40 stitches, Mr Crowther conceded that "may take some time".

Mr and Mrs Crowther have six children, 15 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

http://www.thecouriermail.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,17929770%255E3102,00.html