Heroic dog helps save owner after both are struck by speeding car
A Massachusetts man who was seriously injured after being struck by a car while crossing the street with his dog says his heroic canine helped save him.
John Miles, from Dorchester, Mass., told Boston's CBS affiliate he was out walking Lucy, an 8-year-old husky-beagle mix, late last month when they both were hit by a car. Boston police say the car was speeding when it hit the pair.
Miles, who suffered two broken legs, a broken arm and 15 facial fractures, says he blacked out and doesn't remember what happened.
But WBZ-TV reports that Lucy limped to a nearby dentist's office and barked for help and then "limped back and stayed by John’s side until emergency crews arrived."
"By the time the police and animal control officers arrived," the Angell Animal Medical Center said in a press release, "Lucy had braced herself against the nearly unconscious John, refusing to leave his side even as he was lifted into the ambulance.
First responders even used Lucy’s ID tags to identify Miles, who was not carrying a wallet.
“I’m very happy that Lucy did what she did,” Miles said. “Makes me feel wonderful because if a dog as good as her can get recognition for doing something above and beyond, good for her.”
Miles is scheduled to undergo surgery Thursday. Lucy, who suffered a torn ACL, will have surgery Friday.
"This is obviously a terribly sad and worrying time for our family — with my father-in-law facing surgery and months of rehab, and our much-loved dog, a hero to all of us, also requiring extensive veterinary care," Caitlin Miles told MyFoxBoston.com. "We'll do whatever it takes to get her well, of course, as she is everything to us."
Donations are being accepted to help offset the cost of Lucy's surgery.
“Lucy reminds us all of the important role animals play in our lives," Dr. Meghan Sullivan, the veterinarian who will perform Lucy’s surgery, said. "She’s a true hero.”
Miles added: “Once the winter’s over, if I’m recovered and Lucy’s recovered, you can bet we’ll be out doing our walking again."
