Washington governor honors dog that stayed with trapped friend for a week until help came

The dogs with the governor in his office

A dog credited with standing guard for nearly a week to protect another dog that had fallen in a cistern (You can read the story here) was deemed "Washingtonian of the Day" Thursday by Washington state Gov. Jay Inslee. Tillie, a setter-spaniel mix, was joined by her basset hound friend, Phoebe, and owner B.J. Duft as she received a written proclamation and a Washington apple pin on a ribbon that was tied around her neck. Inslee had Tillie sit next to him as he read the proclamation in which he urged "everyone in Washington to celebrate the bravery and loyalty of this canine companion."

Tillie standing faithfully beside Phoebe until help came        (C)ChrisMurphy

Last month, 11-year-old Tillie and 4-year-old Phoebe were found nearly a week after they were reported missing on Vashon Island by Duft. Volunteers looking for the pair received a call about a reddish dog being seen running out onto on someone's property and barking a few times before promptly heading back into a ravine. A picture taken at the time they were found shows Tillie sitting next to the cistern where Phoebe was lying on a pile of stones above the water.
The "Washingtonian of the Day" award is an informal way that the governor recognizes people who have inspired him, Inslee spokeswoman Jaime Smith said. The governor has given out about 70 certificates since he's taken office. Tillie is the first non-human recipient, Fox News reports.
"I saw this story and I just immediately said this is something Washington needs to celebrate," Inslee said. "I grew up with Rin Tin Tin and Lassie and I never thought I'd meet a real dog that had that type of Hollywood character, but Tillie's right here."