Michigan dog hailed a hero for saving owner from freezing to death
Bob, whose last name hasn’t been released, was celebrating on New Year’s Eve when he needed more firewood for his Michigan home. He quickly ran out of his home in pajamas and slippers to grab a piece of wood when he slipped and fell, breaking his neck, according to CBS News.
It was late and his screams for help went unheard by his neighbors, but luckily his canine pal, Kelsey was there to take action.
‘I was screaming for help but my nearest neighbor is about a quarter mile away and it was 10.30pm, but my Kelsey came,’ Bob told CBS News.
Kelsey prevented Bob from becoming hypothermic by laying on top of him and licking his face and hands. She was there by his side as he laid in the snow paralyzed for nearly 20 hours.
‘By morning my voice was gone and I couldn’t yell for help, but Kelsey didn’t stop barking,’ Bob told the network.
That night the temperature dropped to 24 degrees
‘She kept me warm and alert. I knew I had to persevere through this and that it was my choice to stay alive,’ Bob said, adding that Kelsey kept him awake until lost consciousness.
But Kelsey kept barking and the next day Bob’s neighbor found him and called 911. By the time he was rushed to the McLaren Northern Michigan hospital he had developed hypothermia. Doctors told CBS that Bob’s core body temperature was under 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
‘I was surprised to find out that I didn’t have any frostbite,’ Bob said. ‘I am sure it was because of Kelsey’s determination.’
Neurosurgeon, Chaim Colen, performed spinal decompression surgery on Bob, who was ‘surprised’ that he didn’t have frostbite.
Bob told CBS that he’s forever ‘thankful for my two heroes’.
‘Kelsey kept me warm, alert and never stopped barking for help. Dr Colen saved my life and ability to move.’
His surgery was a success but the doctor said he still has to undergo hours of physical therapy.
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