Dogs have long been celebrated for their loyalty and intelligence, often displaying an uncanny ability to sense when something is amiss.
This story about Midnight, a 4-year-old black Labrador mix, shows the extraordinary instincts of our canine companions.
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On a frigid Minnesota winter day, Midnight’s keen senses and quick thinking proved to be a lifesaver.
Tim Curfman, Midnight’s owner, was going about his routine, unaware of the drama about to unfold.
It was freezing outside, the temperature being just one degree below zero.
Although Minnesota is known for its harsh winters, the region was experiencing a cold snap, which can be very dangerous.
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Curfman, while taking out the trash, noticed something unusual about Midnight’s behavior.
“She had her ears perked up looking at me,” Curfman recalled to CBS News.
“She doesn’t normally do that. Sometimes you get that feeling something’s up.”
This subtle change in Midnight’s demeanor was the first clue that something was wrong.
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It was clear the dog wanted her owner to follow her.
Following Midnight’s lead, Curfman was led to a startling discovery.
On the other side of his house, they found their elderly neighbor, Noreen, who had fallen in the snow while trying to fill her bird feeder.
“We figured she was out there at least a half an hour,” Curfman said.
Noreen, unable to get up due to her wet gloves and lack of strength, was in a precarious situation, especially given the extreme cold.
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The risks of such exposure are severe.
Hypothermia, a condition where the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, could have led to heart and respiratory failure, and even death.
But thanks to Midnight’s alertness, a potential tragedy was averted.
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They jumped into action.
Curfman immediately helped Noreen out of the snow, and his wife assisted in getting her into dry clothes.
Fortunately, Noreen did not suffer any serious injuries or frostbite, a stroke of luck in such extreme conditions.
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Noreen’s rescue by Midnight was nothing short of miraculous.
She told CBS Minnesota that Midnight came to her rescue just in time, similar to Lassie.
This incident highlights the incredible bond between humans and their pets, and how in times of need, that bond can be life-saving.
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Black Labs, like Midnight, are known for their friendly and outgoing nature.
They are intelligent, eager to please, and have a keen sense of their surroundings, making them excellent companions and, in some cases, heroes.
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Curfman expressed immense pride in Midnight’s actions.
“We’ve been very proud of her because it’s not every dog that pays attention to things like this,” he said.
And as for Midnight, her reward was fitting for such a hero – “she got so many treats it was a shame.”
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It goes to show how important it is to trust the instincts of our canine friends.
Press play on the video below to meet this four-legged hero for yourself!
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