64-year-old Bob (who has requested that his last name remains anonymous for privacy) stepped out of his house at around 10:30 p.m. on New Year’s Eve to grab some more firewood. He was only wearing a pair of slippers, long johns, and a long-sleeved shirt.
On his way out, Bob slipped on an icy set of steps and fell onto his back. He didn’t hear anything, but he knew the moment he landed that something was broken. He was only able to move his elbows, and nothing else.
Bob’s wife had gone to visit her parents that night, and his closest neighbor was a quarter-mile away. He, himself, lived over 50 yards from the road. There was no way for him to get help – but he managed to pull through the long, freezing night with the help of his dog, Kelsey.
Kelsey is Bob’s 70-pound golden retriever. Once she realized her owner wasn’t able to get up from where he’d fallen, she stood by his side and barked for help.
Bob suspects no one paid her any attention because she’d always been a barker.
When no one came, Kelsey remained by Bob’s side, alternatively laying on his chest and stomach, licking his hands and face, and repeatedly pawing his arms to keep him conscious.
It was as if Kelsey knew Bob had to remain awake through the night, because if he’d lapsed into sleep, he would never wake up again.
Bob estimates that he managed to stay awake until about 5:30 p.m. the following day, Kelsey still standing faithfully by his side.
A neighbor finally came over at about 6:30 p.m. to collect some eggs Bob offered to him, which is when Bob was finally moved to a hospital for proper care.
Doctors repaired Bob’s the two herniated disks that were causing his paralysis, and also treated the man for hypothermia and irregular heart rhythm, but said he was incredibly lucky. Kelsey’s constant presence – her pawing, laying, and licking – had saved Bob from suffering more. It had been her warm body that saved him from contracting frostbite.
Everyone – family, friends, and doctors alike – are all treating Kelsey as a hero. “She is so smart,” Bob’s daughter said. “We’ve always talked about how smart she is, from the day we got her. She goes everywhere with my dad. She’s the sweetest little love bug.”
And now, Kelsey’s love is helping Bob make a remarkably rapid recovery. Just a day after Bob’s surgery, he was already moving his arms and legs again, and two weeks out, he’s managed to start walking with the assistance of a walker.
We’re wishing Bob and Kelsey all the best as they recover, together, from their New Year’s Eve incident.
