A Florida German Shepherd deserves all the treats! If you’re a dog person, you know that dogs are people too. While many people are credited with saving a dog’s life, sometimes humans need rescuing too. In this case, Ellie the German Shepherd, was instrumental in rescuing her owner. It’s likely even, that her owner is only alive because of the animal’s quick actions.
When 68-year-old Lothar Weimann began feeling a bit faint, he didn’t think much of it. Then he fell. Despite this, the man assumed he was just being a bit clumsy. However, the reality was Weimann was experiencing signs of a stroke. According to WUSF Public Media, he was also home alone as his wife was more than two hours away.
Luckily, Ellie, his 7-year-old family dog, realized something about her owner was amiss. Acting quickly, the dog bolted from the home. She began barking wildly. After unlatching three gates, she alerted neighbor Dan Burton.
Burton secured the German Shepherd and brought her home. This was the point when he, too, noticed Weimann slurring his words and acting bizarrely. Additionally, Burton saw a bruise forming on Weimann’s head where he fell. Quickly, he dialed 911.
“His dog was out, and I was bringing ’em home, and he’s just out of it,” Burton said while on the phone to the 911 operator. “He’s not his usual self. He doesn’t know my name. It’s almost like, you know, a stroke of sorts.”
After the dispatcher asked Burton to relay a series of questions to Weimann, it was determined the man needed serious medical help – and soon.
An ambulance arrived and Weimann was taken to the hospital where he was diagnosed with a stroke. However, he was treated and saved. Ellie did her job.
German Shepherd Instrumental in Saving Owner’s Life
In certain instances, dogs have been known to detect physiological differences in their owners. This is why they can also make great companions for those with anxiety or other ailments. It’s not certain how this is done, but it’s been known to save lives before, experts say.
“It just goes to show that very complex and deep relationship that we can have with dogs, that they literally can look at us and get a whiff of our scent and go, ‘Well, that’s different,'” said Stephanie Roberts.
Roberts is the owner of Procyon Training LLC and shelter manager for the Humane Society of Marion County. “I think that’s amazing,” she added.
While the incident happened in May, Weimann reports that he’s doing much better four months later. He’s managed to lose 25 pounds and maintain a healthy daily regimen. He knows he’s alive and well because of his strong bond with Ellie.
“A dog is always a very honest, very true kind of character,” Weimann said. “I will always say that dogs are the better humans. It’s good to have them around. If you have a dog, you have a companion for life.”
