Animals are more than just our companions – in many occasions, they’ve actually been able to save their owner’s life.
From dogs and cats being able to have a sixth sense when their human is dangerously ill, to pets who know exactly what to do if their owner collapses, animals have proved to us time and time again just how deep their love runs for their owners.
A similar story emerged on August 21, 2020, when an elderly man had a stroke while out on his houseboat. Thankfully, he had his chihuahua, Bubu by his side, and the little dog knew exactly what to do! The smart pup ran straight to the mainland to alert a member of staff there, and despite not being able to communicate through words, Bubu had a clever little way of letting staff know that her owner needed help!
Thanks to Bubu, her owner was quickly rushed to hospital, where he’s now recovering. The pair had a beautiful reunion which was documented through some emotional snaps – so make sure you have those tissues ready!
In August 2020, Rudy Armstrong was on his houseboat with his dog, Bubu, when his foot fell asleep. The retired Navy veteran took a second to sit down and lost conscious shortly after that. When he woke up, he had lost feeling in one of his arms, and he realized straight away that something was wrong. Rudy’s little dog was already at his side, and in desperation, the man turned to her and gave a plea for help.
“I need help. Go get Kim.” Rudy told Bubu. And the chihuahua mix knew exactly what to do.
The dog seemed to have heard Rudy perfectly. Quick as a flash, she ran off the boat in the direction of the marina, where she found the dockmaster named Kim.
“She came right up to her and rather than her usual greeting of barking and jumping and licking her, she stopped right in front of her and laid over on her side,” Brandy Popp, public relations manager for CarolinaEast Health System, told The Dodo.
Kim soon began to realize that something was wrong, and she let Bubu take her back towards Rudy’s boat.
When the pair arrived, Kim instantly called 911 and paramedics took Rudy to hospital, whilst Kim stayed behind with Bubu. Thanks to Bubu, Rudy was on the road to recovery – but after three weeks at the hospital rehab facility, the pair were desperately missing each other.
“I went to Rudy’s room to hear the details of Bubu helping to save his life and I had the pleasure of sitting with him for over an hour, hearing story upon story of his life, his time in the Navy, and his special bond with Bubu,” Brandy said. “The fact that he has no close friends or family nearby led me to attempt to orchestrate a reunion between him and Bubu.”
The day of the reunion arrived, and Rudy could hardly contain his excitement as he waited to meet up with his lifesaving dog.
“Leading up to her arrival, Rudy was practically bouncing in his wheelchair like a kid on Christmas morning,” Brandy said.
When Bubu arrived, she first seemed confused to be taken to such an unfamiliar environment. But as soon as Rudy pulled his mask down, she instantly relaxed as she recognized her beloved owner!
“Rudy pulled down his mask and Bubu instantly recognized him, jumped up in his lap and began licking his face incessantly!” Popp said. “It was a beautiful moment and everyone present was close to tears with the obvious joy of both Rudy and Bubu.”
Rudy is now recovering back on his boat with Bubu, and thanks to her, there will be many more cuddles and kisses to come.
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