Pet dog saves baby as she ‘stopped breathing’

dog saves baby
(Image credit: Kelly Andrew)

We often hear about dogs coming to the rescue, but in this case, Henry is a real lifesaver. A mother has praised her ‘hero’ pet pooch for saving her baby’s life when she had stopped breathing during the night. 

After Kelly Andrew had been “fed up” with her Boston Terrier’s repeated disturbances into the baby nursery, it seemed as though Henry was actually trying to give a warning. 

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In a moving Twitter post, Kelly shares, "Last night the dog kept breaking into the nursery and waking the baby. She's been sick, and I was getting so fed up with him. Until she stopped breathing. We spent the night in the hospital. I don't know what would have happened if he hadn't woken her. We don't deserve dogs."

This was followed by two photographs. One of her little girl in the hospital, and the other showing the top of Henry’s head in a bedroom with the caption, “He keeps pushing open the baby's door with his battering ram head so he can sniff at her."

It’s no surprise that this heart-warming post garnered over 120,000 likes since being shared, creating an outpouring of love for Henry and his family. One commenter stated, "I am so very happy that your baby is doing OK. Give that dog a bone please." While another shared, “Oh wow! Dogs are just incredible. I hope Henry gets ALL the treats!! Bless him, not just a good boy but a fantastic hero boy. Glad baby is doing okay.” 

In response to the huge outpouring of love, Kelly posted another follow-up message and picture of Henry himself with the caption, “Thanks for all the well wishes, everyone. The baby is doing much better today and we are home with Henry, who bravely held the fort all night even though he is scared of the dark."

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Another Netizen called Molly, also shared her own amazing ‘service dog’ experience, “We couldn't figure out for the longest time why my service dog kept going in to my parents room several times a night sniffing my dad's face and nudging him repeatedly. They always pushed her away and she would still circle back. She stopped as soon as he got his pacemaker."

According to pet behavioural experts, dogs are known to be incredibly intuitive, with a sharp sense of smell. This is one of the main reasons why so many pups become service animals for people with certain health conditions. In some cases, pups have also been known to detect cancer by sniffing out the tiniest changes in diseased cells and hormonal shifts. 

In the meantime, Henry the ‘hero dog’ continues to look out for Kelly, her husband and their young daughters (and vice versa!). If that heart-warming story didn’t touch you, we don’t know what will!

Cynthia Lawrence

Cynthia Lawrence is freelance lifestyle journalist. Starting off her career in national magazines, she moved to digital and e-commerce publications. When she's not reviewing exciting products, she is obsessed with home interiors and her neighbour's cat!