Dog named Andy saves elderly neighbor's life

INDIANA -- Andy isn't just a pet, he is a hero.

Vicki VanDenburgh, of Chesterton, owns golden retrievers Andy, 5, and Ike, 9, both certified therapy dogs.

A few weeks ago during a bitterly cold evening, Andy and Ike were outside in the backyard when an elderly neighbor fell into a snow bank trying to get out of her car.

VanDenburgh said the neighbor is in need of a knee replacement and was unable to get herself off the ground.

Andy quickly noticed what was happening across the street, jumped over the fence and ran toward the woman, barking until VanDenburgh came over to help.

"No one would've known she was lying there if it wasn't for Andy," said VanDenburgh. "I don't know how he knew. He just did."

Due to the woman's injured knee, it took VanDenburgh nearly an hour to get her neighbor off the ground and back into her home.

"Andy stayed with us the whole time," said VanDenburgh. "It was really amazing. I'm sure he saved her life."

Andy's reaction doesn't come as a surprise. VanDenburgh said he is one of two dogs in Indiana participating in the HOPE Animal Assisted Crisis Responses Team, a team of handlers and dogs trained to provide comfort through animal-assisted support to individuals affected by crises and disasters, according to the organization's website.

Andy is also a regular visitor at a local hospital and joins Ike at Porter-Starke Services during pet therapy sessions every month.

"The dogs love it and the people at Porter-Starke really love them," said VanDenburgh. "It's amazing to see people react to them that don't respond to anything else."

Andy was rewarded for his heroism with his favorite treat, a trip to Pet Supplies Plus in Valparaiso.
"Andy and Ike love to go shopping," added VanDenburgh, laughing. "Andy's goal is to meet as many people as possible.

(NWITimes - March 1, 2015)