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Faith
2005

S

  

Rottweiler

Every year, the American Kennel Club
presents its Award for Canine Excellence to dogs who
"enrich, inspire or contribute to the lives of individuals and communities".

Awards are given out in 5 categories: Exemplary Companion Dog (ECD),
Law Enforcement (LAW), Search and Rescue (SAR),
Service (S), and Therapy (T)

Here is the story of one such dog:

 

Richland, Washington  Faith, a highly skilled certified Service dog, was trained by the Assistance Dog Club of Puget Sound in seizure, respiratory, and cardiac alert and response, mobility assistance, emergency water rescue, and cart pulling. Committed to her owner, Leana Beasley, Faith understands over 150 commands that aid Leana in every aspect of her life.

On September 7, 2004, Faith became agitated and desperately tried to alert her owner. Realizing that something was wrong, Leana returned to her wheelchair, unaware that the medication she was prescribed was causing a toxic reaction. Without warning, Leana fell to the floor, and began experiencing grand mal seizures.

Incredibly, when commands could not be given, Faith problem-solved on her own and performed a series of tasks that, according to doctors, saved Leana's life. Taking the phone off its base, Faith pushed the special 9-1-1 speed-dial button and barked into the phone. Returning to her owner, Faith used her seizure response training to roll Leana into a recovery position. Able to recognize police uniforms, Faith unlocked the door when help arrived, and lead the police to her owner.

Faith's amazing story soon spread throughout the media. When the American Red Cross presented Faith with its Real Hero Award in the 9-1-1 Rescue category earlier this year, Faith became its first non-human recipient.

 

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