Saving lives like Lassie

It’s heartwarming — but not unexpected — when an assistance dog saves a life. After all, that’s what they’re trained to do.

But lifesaving takes on an added dimension when it’s unexpected.

In Phoenix recently, Buddy the German shepherd called 911 when his owner had a seizure.

The dog is trained to press pre-set buttons to summon 911 in an emergency.
The Associated Press report of this story says that, during a review of the recorded call, a dispatcher can repeatedly be heard asking the caller for help. “Is there somebody there you can give the phone to?” asks the dispatcher, as Buddy is heard whimpering and barking in the background.

This is after his owner’s home had been flagged in the emergency system as having a trained assistance dog capable of calling 911.
Police were dispatched, and thankfully got there in time to help the owner, who spent two days in the hospital.
The owner of a bichon frise in New York City could be forgiven, however, for not immediately understanding her dog’s message.

Linda Deutsch couldn’t get Lexi into the elevator when it was time for her walk. Ms. Deutsch thought the pooch was just being naughty.
Eventually, though, she allowed the little dog to pull her down the hall, where she heard cries for help.
The super was called. When he entered the apartment, he found an 85-year-old neighbor lying helplessly on the floor.

“People say that dogs are man’s best friend,” said the rescued man’s son, Charles Postler Jr., “and this proves it all over again.”