Here to Save the Day: Meet the Rescue Dogs Who Are Natural-Born EMTs and Saved Their Owner’s Life
By Bill Holton,
2024-09-15
Andrew Budek-Schmeisser was sitting in his Belen, New Mexico, front yard, petting his mixed-breed dog Belle, when his wife, Barbara, pulled up with the newest member of their family.
“Hi, boy!” Andrew called as the 90-pound rescue Great Dane, ironically named Peanut, bounded out of the car and plopped down beside Belle. “You guys are going to be great friends,” said Andrew, a disabled 64-year-old former engineer.
Andrew had cancer, and after spiking a 108-degree temperature during a bout with COVID, he’d lost years of memory. He also developed heart problems and trouble with balance.
For months, Belle had watched over Andrew, following him everywhere. If Andrew stumbled, Belle raced to get Barbara, and if she was out, he’d sit beside Andrew until she returned home.
My father was a blue-eyed, redheaded Irishman who had a very dry sense of humor. His one beef was anyone who touched his hair. He was known as DoDaddy to his 20 grandchildren. As the grandchildren were growing up, they would share with DoDaddy details about their new jobs or their promotions, raises, etc. His […]
“Maybe you should get another, bigger dog who can help you keep your balance and support your weight,” his friend Beth suggested, and she went online and found Peanut languishing unwanted at a shelter.
That first day, Andrew let Peanut rest up. But the next morning, as Belle napped in the bathtub — her favorite spot — Andrew took Peanut outside to show her around.
Andrew had taken only a few steps out the front door when he stumbled and sprawled forward.
He landed with his neck twisted at such an angle, his windpipe was crimped — he couldn’t draw a breath and he was too weakened to move his arms or legs. He couldn’t even cry out for help, and besides, Barbara had just left for church.
I’m a goner! Andrew thought as black spots began dancing before his eyes.
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Suddenly, Andrew sensed a presence hovering over him. He heard panting and then felt Peanut’s cold nose pressing at his temple. Peanut pushed harder, and slowly turned Andrew’s head until he lay face up, sucking in one grateful breath after another.
“Rrrruuff!” Peanut barked, only once, but it was enough to summon Belle.
To Andrew’s astonishment, the two dogs positioned themselves behind his shoulders and nuzzled their snouts between his body and the ground. Then they started pushing. Slowly, Andrew felt his torso lifting. As soon as he could, he elbowed the ground and was able to sit up.
“Good dogs!” he praised.
After resting for several minutes, Andrew draped his arms over the canines, and bracing himself against their backs, he pulled himself to his feet. He took a few wobbly steps and eased into a porch chair.
“You guys are amazing,” Andrew sighed, as he took time to regain his strength with two watchful dogs at his feet.
Eventually, Andrew felt strong enough to go inside for the phone he’d neglected to carry. I’m okay now, but Peanut and Belle just saved my life, he texted Barbara, who shared his amazement and gratitude.
“Neither of them has ever had a single day of training,” says a grateful Andrew. “I have no idea how they knew what to do—all I know is I wouldn’t still be around without them.”
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