Original Article: https://blog.theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/sophie-saved/

“A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.”

We have been hearing many stories about how other people’s dogs have helped in saving their lives. But when it comes to our pets, we do not expect such kind of heroism.

Maybe it is because we are more protective of our pets like parents are to their children, and we do not expect children to do big, heroic things.

Story of the Quiet, Unexpected Hero in Sophie

Andrew Lee rescued Sophie, an English springer spaniel, from an animal shelter more than 10 years ago. She loves walks and ice cream cones, and she has been Andrew’s faithful companion come rain, come shine.

One of Sophie’s habits is waking Andrew up in the middle of the night to go out to the backyard when nature calls. Last Christmas eve, Sophie came to Andrew again and woke him up.

But, to Andrew’s surprise, the old dog would not follow him to the kitchen to be let out. Since her sight was no longer well, Andrew turned on the light for the spaniel.

“And I looked at her and the light from outside was shining on the floor of the kitchen and I see several pools of blood on the floor which I quickly realized was coming from my foot,” said Andrew.

The pools of blood led back to their bedroom where his wife was sleeping. Even though he was not aware of what was causing the bleeding, Andrew sensed his condition was critical.

An ambulance rushed Andrew to the nearest hospital. It was there he was diagnosed with necrotizing fasciitis, a deadly flesh-eating disease that can lead to sepsis, shock, and untimely death.

Even with treatment, one of three people with necro dies. The bacteria that cause the infection usually invade the body through a break in the skin such as cuts, burns, insect bites, puncture wounds, and surgical wounds. The infection spreads very rapidly, killing tissues and muscle fascia.

Andrew went through surgery that Christmas eve and the following day. His toes and part of his foot had to be removed, but he was grateful that the bacteria had failed to spread to his leg. His dog Sophie had woken him up in the nick of time.

Andrew Welcomes a New Chapter in His Life with Sophie

Aside from the surgeries, Andrew has to undergo therapy to re-learn movement coordination, balance, and walking but his spirit remains high.

“I realize that people go through far worse situations, in particular dealing with this bacteria but I consider myself somewhat fortunate.”

As for Sophie, whom Andrew calls his heroic dog, she can look forward to enjoyable walks in springtime and more of her favorite ice cream cones.

Source: The Animal Rescue Site Blog