Heroic dog saves 81-year-old man from drowning when he falls from his wheelchair into a lake

Once again, a dog has proven to be man’s best friend. Harry Smith, 81, who uses an electric wheelchair, was walking his dog near a lake in Port St. Lucie, Florida.

Suddenly, his wheelchair lost traction, causing him to slip and tip over into the lake. His dog Sarah, a nine-year-old beagle, immediately knew something was wrong. Smith, who couldn’t swim and was struggling to stay afloat, began yelling for help.

“I tried to turn around to get out of it, but it went backward, down the embankment, and threw me in the water,” he told WPTV.

“Sensing his owner was in trouble, his dog began barking loudly, which alerted two bystanders across the street,” the local police department wrote in a Facebook post.

“The bystanders rushed to the lake and flagged down PSLPD Officer Doty who was driving down Airoso Blvd. Officer Doty exited his patrol vehicle and found Mr. Smith submerged in water up to his neck.

The two bystanders and Officer Doty worked together to get him out of the water and back to shore. Mr. Smith received medical attention at the scene and was able to return home.

His electric wheelchair was damaged from falling into the water, so Officer Doty and the St. Lucie County Fire District assisted him by pushing him to his home.

We are grateful to Mr. Smith’s dog and the two bystanders who helped save his life!”

When Sarah barked loudly, Edward Suhling and Aby “Jacob” Chacko quickly noticed. “The dog was splashing in the water,” Suhling, 58, explained to TCPalm.

“So we both ran over here and I jumped in the water and my buddy grabbed his arms and I grabbed his legs and we pulled him up on the shore.” Chacko, 49, added that he was able to flag down Officer Adam Doty for help at that point.

For Smith, it was a terrifying ordeal; he said he couldn’t have made it out on his own. “My legs don’t work,” he said. “I can’t push.” But thanks to his amazing dog, the Good Samaritans were able to notice Smith and offer help immediately.

“The dog has been a real hero,” Suhling noted. “He’s such a good dog. Everyone in this neighborhood loves her, they all look out for her,” Smith said.

“I gave her a treat,” Smith added with a laugh. “I love her, I’ve always loved her and I always will.”

Watch video blow:

Image Source: Facebook | PortStLuciePolice

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