An 81-year-old man was saved from drowning by his dog after his wheelchair slid down the grass and went into the lake.
The man is Harry Smith who lives in Port St. Lucie in Florida and the dog is a nine-year-old beagle mix named Sarah.
Smith was walking Sarah in his neighborhood when the electric wheelchair lost traction and slid into the lake, causing the man to flip into the water.
Smith Was in the Water Up to His Neck, Sarah Starts Barking
Smith told the police that he tried to back around and get out, but he went straight back into the water. His wheelchair was stuck.
His dog sensed that something wasn’t right and began barking a lot and attracted the attention of Aby Chacko and Edward Suhling, passersby.
Suhling, 58, explained that they noticed a dog splashing in the water. Both of them ran over there and jumped right into the water. His friend got his arms and he had his legs and they pulled him up.
Chacko, 49, also flagged down Officer Adam Doty for help as they were running towards the water. When the three men came to the rescue, only the head of Smith was above the water.
The rescue happened all thanks to Sarah who was barking very loud.
According to Suhling, you could see it in Smith’s face- he thought he was dying. He also said that Sarah was the hero that day because they didn’t hear Smith yelling, but only a dog barking loudly.
Smith was given medical attention on the scene and he was doing well.
Smith Says That Sarah Is the Best Dog Ever
He was cleared to go home; however, the wheelchair was damaged by the water.
This is when Officer Doty and a member of the St. Lucie County Fire District pushed Smith back to his home, with Sarah trotting next to them.
Smith has had Sarah for seven years and he praised his favorite furry friend and now a rescuer. He says she’s the perfect dog and everyone in the neighborhood loves her and looks out for her.
She always gets a treat.
Smith says he loves her and always has and always will. It was a full day for Officer Doty who welcomed a newborn with his wife only a few days after helping save Smith.
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