Picture of the Day

Dog lays on top of a paralyzed man to save him from freezing to death

When a Michigan man named Bob slipped in the snow and broke his neck outside his home on New Year’s Eve, he thought all hope was lost. His nearest neighbor was about a quarter of a mile away, and he couldn’t move.

Bob was wearing just long johns, a shirt and slippers when he went outside, despite the temperature being around -4C.

Fortunately, his dog Kelsey heard his cries for help.

“I was screaming for help but my nearest neighbour is about a quarter mile away and it was 10.30 pm, but my Kelsey came,” said Bob.

For 20 hours, at the temperature dipped to 24 degrees, Kelsey stayed with Bob, barking, howling, and keeping him warm.

Kelsey is Bob’s five-year-old Golden Retriever. She kept Bob warm by lying on top of top of him, and kept him awake by licking his hands and face.

“She kept barking for help but never left my side. She kept me warm and alert. I knew I had to persevere through this and that it was my choice to stay alive.

“By morning my voice was gone and I couldn’t yell for help, but Kelsey didn’t stop barking.

“She was letting out this screeching howl that alerted my neighbour. He found me at 6:30 p.m. on New Year’s Day.”

“I was surprised to find out that I didn’t have any frost bite,” said Bob, “I am sure it was because of Kelsey’s determination to keep me warm and safe.”

And to the surprise of doctors, Bob made a quick initial recovery from his neck injury.