Florida: Courageous dog fights off an alligator to protect elderly owner

 When an 85-year-old woman fell and couldn’t get up outside her waterfront home in south-west Florida, the family dog fought off an approaching alligator, enduring numerous bites to save its owner.  Ruth Gay was in fair condition at a Fort Meyers hospital Thursday after treatment for a broken nose and a dislocated shoulder. Two-year-old Blue, a 35-pound Australian blue heeler, was recuperating at home.  “It’s amazing what an animal will do in a time of need,” said veterinarian Terry Terlep, whose colleague treated Blue. “He’s a pretty brave dog.”  Gay, who lives with her daughter and son-in-law, was home alone Tuesday when she wen t out to walk the dog just before 9p.m.  Gay told her family she slipped on the wet grass and fell.  Suddenly, the dog growled and left.  The Gibsons arrived home shortly after 10p.m. When their car pulled up the wet dog raced to meet them.  “He was going wild, barking and jumping. He led me right to her,” Gibson said.