The day my dog saved my life
Over60 community member, Kay Feain, 62 from Essendon, Victoria shares her story of how Holly – the dog she rescued – ended up rescuing her.
Being of an age where abdomen cramps are part of life, recently I was cleaning behind the couch when I found myself suffering a bad one. When I stood up suddenly because of the cramp, I cracked my head on the shelf. In that moment I heard a sickening thud and I felt nauseous – I knew I was losing consciousness.
I have no idea how long I was out but as I came around I heard the distant bark of a dog and banging. When I realised it was Holly licking my face and someone banging on my door (I live in an apartment), I managed to get to the door.
The important thing here is that my neighbours on my floor do not usually hear Holly bark when they pass the door. The neighbour that came to my door is a nurse and he had been working late. He said Holly was not barking when he entered the building but she began barking when he exited the lift and was getting more agitated as he got closer to my door.
Her barking was the ONLY reason he knocked and then banged on the door.
I was taken to hospital and, although she was upset, she let Luke (my neighbour) take hold of her until another neighbour that she knew took her back to their place.
I know I do love Holly and that she equally (if not more) loves me, but I would never have expected her to be so protective. I often hear that people have a real connection with dogs and maybe I am one of them. I am so proud of Holly especially given that she was hard work following the adoption, so scared of all things that moved, cyclone fences, bicycles and even weeds or flowers.
What I really want to emphasise is that rescue dogs are very special dogs and can also pay it forward. When I saw Holly’s picture – a 20-month-old Jack Russel and Miniature Fox Terrier blend – I knew instantly she was mine.
Thank God for Holly.
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