A man's life was saved by his dog after he slipped and broke his neck in the snow.
The man, who is only known as Bob, lay in the freezing conditions for almost 24 hours as he was unable to move. His dog, Kelsey, lay on top of him to keep him warm, licked his face to keep him awake and barked to try and get help. These actions saved his life.
The incident took place on New Year's Eve in Michigan when he went outside of his farmhouse to collect firewood. He thought he was literally just going to pop out and go back inside, so he was wearing just long johns, a shirt and slippers when he went out into the -4C cold. Unfortunately, this is when he slipped.
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Speaking to the Independent, Bob said: "I was screaming for help but my nearest neighbour is about a quarter mile away and it was 10.30pm, but my Kelsey came.
"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 6:30pm on New Year's Day."
By the time he was discovered, his core temperature was below 21C; hypothermia takes place once the body's temperature falls below 35C.
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Bob continued: "I was surprised to find out that I didn't have any frost bite; 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.
Chaim Colen, MD, Neurosurgeon at McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital, told Petoskey News: "After the surgery, miraculously, he started to move his extremities with greater strength.
"I think animals can help and his dog really kept him alive and really helped him - he was very fortunate."
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Bob will need extensive physiotherapy, but it looks like he's going to fully recover.
Bob said: "I am so thankful for my two heroes, Kelsey kept me warm, alert, and never stopped barking for help. Dr Colen saved my life and ability to move. They are truly heroes and I will be eternally grateful."
Another legendary dog tale
The bond between dogs and humans is so great, it's sometimes quite baffling to think about. For example, do you remember this dog who was allowed to say goodbye to his dying owner?
American Ryan Jessen, 33, thought he was just suffering a severe migraine. However, he was then hospitalised and diagnosed with a ventricular brain haemorrhage. His faithful companion, a dog named Mollie, was among those who gathered at his bedside to say goodbye to him in hospital.
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His sister, Michelle, posted the video on Facebook.
She wrote: "The hospital did the sweetest thing for us and allowed us to bring my brother's dog in to 'say goodbye' so she'd know why her human never came home. If you knew my brother, he really loved his sweet dog. (So many people have asked - he thought he had a migraine, but it was a ventricular brain haemorrhage.
"They think it was brought on by high blood pressure, and there's speculation that his frequent consumption of energy drinks may have contributed. THANK YOU to everybody for the outpouring of support, but I won't be responding anymore. We are sincerely touched and humbled by others' stories, their sharing in our sadness and the kindness of so many people. Don't worry about the dog! We're keeping her!!! She's part of the family.) [sic]"
She then wrote another status explaining that a 17-year-old boy in California who desperately needs a heart transplant will be receiving Ryan's heart. She explained: "As sad as it is to lose Ryan, we know his heart is going to bring so much joy to the family of the recipient. I wish Ryan could know what a difference his heart will make for that young man."
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Dogs are amazing.
Featured Image Credit: McLaren Northern Michigan HospitalTopics: Dog