A New Jersey rescue dog has been hailed a hero for helping to save her owner’s life after he collapsed during a stroke.
Sadie, a German Shepherd, was originally surrendered to the Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge in a “confused and seemingly lost” state when her previous owner moved, the animal shelter said in a Facebook post.
Though described as “a more difficult placement” due to being “nervous and protective with new people,” she was adopted by her new owner, known only as Brian, just a few months ago after he “felt a special bond with Sadie,” the Oakland-based shelter said.
That wise decision may just have saved Brian’s life.
He was home alone with Sadie last week when he suddenly fell to the ground immobilized after suffering a stroke.
The 6-year-old dog sprang into action, first licking Brian’s face to keep him awake and then pulling him to his cellphone so that he could call for help.
“While he was collapsed, Sadie never left his side,” the shelter wrote. “Sadie was the only reason that Brian was able to call for help.”
The quick-thinking canine is now staying with Brian’s family while he recovers at a rehab center. But thanks to technology, the two still see each other every night via video chat, and are said to be “counting down the days until they can reunite.”
“Brian gave Sadie a second chance at life, adopting Sadie and welcoming her home,” the shelter said. “This time, Sadie gave Brian a second chance at life.”