Michigan resident “Bob” attempted to fetch another log for his fire on New Year’s Eve when he slipped and fell on a sheet of ice, breaking his neck and becoming temporarily paralyzed.
The man was in nothing but his pajamas and slippers when the accident occurred. A Golden Retriever named Kelsey heard the man’s cries and quickly ran to his side.
When a Michigan man lay on the ground temporarily paralyzed amidst freezing conditions on New Year’s Eve, his life was saved when his dog lay on top of him for nearly 20 hours, shielding him from the cold.
“I was screaming for help but my nearest neighbor is about a quarter mile away and it was 10:30 p.m., but my Kelsey came,” Bob explains. “By morning my voice was gone and I couldn’t yell for help, but Kelsey didn’t stop barking.”
Kelsey refused to get off Bob the entire night, ensuring that he wouldn’t fall into a state of hypothermia because of 24-degree temperatures.
Her help didn’t stop there, the thoughtful dog licked his hands and face to help keep him awake and alert through the night.
“She kept barking for help but never left my side,” Bob said. “She kept me warm and alert. I knew I had to persevere through this and that it was my choice to stay alive.”
Almost 20 hours after the initial accident, Bob’s neighbor found him and called 911. The injured man’s body temperature had fallen to 70 degrees by the time help arrived. After being rushed to the hospital he underwent successful spinal decompression surgery, which will allow him to walk again.
Neurosurgeon Chaim Colen, who was responsible for the surgery, says that Kelsey’s size is the reason Bob survived. The doctor said that a smaller dog may not have survived the night.
Before leaving the hospital for a rehab center Bob was already able to walk 40 feet. “The fact he was even able to start walking before he left, that’s absolutely amazing,” said Dr. Colen.
Bob knows that Kelsey and Dr. Cohen are owed a huge debt of gratitude. “I’m so thankful for my two heroes,” Bob said. “Kelsey kept me warm, alert and never stopped barking for help. Dr. Colen saved my life and ability to move. They are truly heroes and I will be eternally grateful.”
Now everyone go out and adopt a puppy or adult dog. Immediately.
