Kelsey is a five-year old Golden Retriever who saved her owner's life by keeping him warm with her own body for almost 24 hours after he suffered a severe fall.
It all happened on New Year's Eve, which was a freezing, cold night in Petoskey, Michigan
Bob, who prefers not to mention his last name, had been watching the Fiesta Bowl between Clemson and Ohio State when he made what could have very easily become a fatal decision. About 10:30 he went out to gather more firewood, wearing only long-johns, slippers and a shirt. The walk to the shed was only 15 feet away from the house, but his choice of slippers as footwear caused him to slip and fall, leaving him unable to move even an inch. (See; Sassy The Chihuahua.)
In Bob's own words: "I was screaming for help, but my nearest neighbor is about a quarter-mile away and it was 10:30 pm. But my Kelsey came. By morning, my voice was gone and I couldn't yell for help, but Kelsey didn't stop barking. She kept barking for help and never left my side. She kept me warm and alert. I knew I had to persevere through this and that was my choice to stay alive." (See; Russian Cat Saves Abandoned Baby.)
He lay paralyzed in the freezing snow for 20 hours
Temperatures fell to 24 degrees Fahrenheit and Kelsey tried desperately to keep her beloved Bob alive and warm, lying on top of him and constantly licking his face and hands to keep him awake. Bob lost consciousness after 19 hours, but the dog kept howling for help until finally, neighbor, Rick, heard her desperate cries and at 6:30 pm on New Year's Day, found his stricken friend. See; The Cat Who Dialed 911.)
According to Petoskey News, Bob was transported by ambulance to the McLaren Northern Michigan Emergency Department where neurosurgeon, Dr. Chaim Colen, informed him that he may never walk again. The doctor was very pleasantly surprised when Bob was able to move both his arms and his legs.
He told the press, "...The miraculous thing that happened is that he started moving right away...Most people with spinal chord injuries, they don't move. it's tragic and when it's done, it's done. I don't know if it was the cold temperatures that may have helped him or the fact that he was laying down on the snow the way he was...I think animals can help and his dog kept him alive and really helped him. He was very fortunate."
Kelsey and Bob are inseparable companions
According to Jenny, Bob's daughter, the dog remained at home after Bob was taken to the hospital and she knew how upset Kelsey was certain to be without Bob there to love and comfort her. She went home to check on her and found that the dog had taken all of his clothes from the second floor and made a tent out of them in the living room. She was laying on top of the clothes when Jenny arrived to transport her to the hospital to be with Bob.(See:Two Purple Hearts.)
Kelsey and Bob go everywhere together, including the grocery store. She was only 6 months old when Bob adopted her. The previous owner had returned her to the breeder because he felt she was a little bitey with his children, but she took instantly to Bob and his daughter. According to Jenny, "We always knew there was a reason we brought her home with us and now we know why. She is the sweetest, smartest dog and she really proved it."
Kudos to you, Kelsey and to neighbor, Rick too!
See also:Bretagne
