A heroic dog in Pennsylvania last week braved the midsummer heat to save his owner.
Authorities say the owner of a quick-witted golden retriever ran for help when he fell 20 feet in a Pittsburgh-area hill, sustained a severe hip injury and was unable to get up.
The brave pup sprang into action on Thursday afternoon after witnessing his owner fall off a hill into the woods. Emergency responders say the pup ran to a neighbour and “let them know he needed help.”
Neighbors then called for help, leading to a frantic rescue effort by emergency personnel from Ross/Westview EMSA.
When emergency personnel arrived on the scene, the injured dog’s father was stabilized at the bottom of the hill and was being treated for pain, the emergency rescue agency said. he said in an online post.
A rope system was then deployed and the man was safely extracted and taken to a local trauma centre where he was treated for “significant” hip injuries.
Photos taken at the scene showed the rope used in the rescue being tied to a trailer at Ross/Westview and the injured man being placed on a stretcher and treated by several emergency responders and medical staff.
The hero dog can also be seen waiting for his owner to return to safety.
“A special thank you to the patient’s dog, who alerted neighbors that help was needed,” Ross/Westview EMSA wrote. “The dog refused to leave the scene until the patient was safely on the ground and removed.”
“On this hot day, he was rewarded with a treat and a big bowl of water!”
Ross/West View EMSA serves the greater Pittsburgh metropolitan area, providing medical and rescue services to more than 54,000 people across 25 square miles.
