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The jack russell terrier that died after defending a group of children from two angry pitbulls will be recognised for his bravery with a special SPCA award normally reserved for humans.
South Taranaki District Council mayor Mary Bourke will present the posthumous medal to George's owner Alan Gay at a ceremony at Manaia Primary School on May 18.
The April 29 incident brought worldwide attention.
At a Royal New Zealand SPCA annual meeting last weekend it was decided to award the plucky canine a Society Medal for Bravery.
"The decision was taken unanimously by representatives of the SPCA from right across New Zealand," national chief executive Robyn Kippenberger said.
The medal was normally awarded for outstanding acts of bravery by humans in defence of animals.
But in this case the society had made an exception.
"George was a very brave little dog, who almost certainly prevented severe injury, if not death, to at least one of the children, Ms Kippenberger said.
"It's truly tragic that he paid with his own life for his instinctive act of courage. Our hearts go out to George's owner, Alan Gay, and to the children involved in this dreadful incident."
Owner Mr Gay did not know about the award when contacted by the Herald yesterday.
He said news of the medal came as a pleasant surprise but the award was highly appropriate as his pet dog was a "hero".
Both pitbulls were put down last Thursday, Mr Gay said.
The SPCA award will be second in as many weeks for George.
American Jerrell Hudman was so moved by the story of sacrifice that he planned to send the dog one of his Purple Heart medals he was awarded for combat in Vietnam, the Taranaki Daily News has reported.
Mr Hudman, 58, of Austin, Texas was a US Marine for 30 years. He said his wife Alice came across George's story on the internet. The Purple Heart should arrive in Manaia in the next few weeks.
