'He rescued me': Dog brings owner out of coma by barking
An adorable rescue pooch has been hailed a hero after his barking woke his owner up from a coma.
Five-year-old schnauzer poodle cross, Teddy, was granted special permission by staff at Southampton General Hospital, in the UK, to visit owner Andy Szasz.
The 65-year-old was rushed to intensive care after suffering from pneumonia following a battle with bowel cancer.
But doctors were left amazed after the furry friend managed to wake civil engineer Andy up from a medically-induced coma – three days before doctors planned an attempt to bring him round.
Gobsmacked by his impact on the patient, medics then allowed Teddy to make regular visits to hospital to aid Andy’s recovery over the next four days before the married dad-of-four was discharged less than a week later.
Now hero Teddy, who came to live with Andy after being rehomed from their local RPSCA shelter, is changing the lives of others as a hospital therapy dog and has scooped a top animal prize.
“Ted is such a remarkable little dog in many ways,” Andy said.
“He’s clever, loving, loyal, funny and a right little character – he really stole my heart when we first met.
“I always tell people I rescued Ted and Ted rescued me. We certainly do have a special bond.”
Andy first began battling bowel cancer in 2012 – just three months after rehousing the adorable pooch.
He had no idea he would wake him up from a coma four years later.
Teddy now a therapy dog
Teddy has since scooped the RSPCA’s special animal award at their annual honours event held at The Royal Society, London in 2017.
The beloved family pet is now changing more lives in his role as a therapy dog – visiting people in hospital, hospices, care homes and schools up and down the nation.
“Teddy was inducted as a therapy dog in November so we had our first hospital visit just before Christmas,” Andy said.
“It was amazing to see the smiles on so many peoples’ faces when he came into the hospital.
“Ted was in his element, his little tail non-stop wagging and was unphased by anything, as usual.
“It was such a rewarding day for us both, and so amazing to see the affect animals have on people.”
– Caters
