Labrador Retriever Saves Drowning Toddler

by
posted on July 2, 2012
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
dogs_ah2015_fs.jpg (16)

Patricia Drauch entered her garage assuming that, as always, her 14-month old son, Stanley, was close behind.

"He always follows me into the garage, he likes to play on the lawn mower," she explained.

But on this occasion, Stanley had quietly wandered off, and the result was nearly deadly. When Drauch realized Stanley was not by her side, she rushed around the house, terrified, searching for her son. To her horror, she spotted Stanley floating face up in the pool—Bear, the family's black Lab, was swimming with the boy on his back, apparently in an effort to keep the boy afloat and allow him to breath.

"We all believe that if it wasn’t for Bear, he would have sunk down," Drauch said, adding that without Bear she may never have spotted Stanley in the pool. "It was incredible to see Bear holding him up like that."

But despite Bear's efforts, Stanley was unresponsive. Drauch carried him to her car and hurried down the road to a nearby fire department for help. Along the way, Stanley regained consciousness. He's expected to make a full recovery.

Drauch says Bear has kept an especially close eye on her children following the incident. However, perhaps he was just following orders when he committed his heroic act.

"I’ve always told him that these are his babies and he has to watch over them," Drauch said.

Well done, Bear.

Latest

W H2026 05 Know How IMG 7542
W H2026 05 Know How IMG 7542

Wild Game Recipe: Wild Bird Yakitori

There’s nothing quite like standing around a tailgate after a successful hunt, birds laid out and admired, beers being passed around. That kind of casual, fire-driven cooking isn’t all that different from a Japanese grilling method called yakitori. Read on for a great twist on a classic by Game Girl Gourmet's Chef Holly Hearn.

Beretta Introduces the A400 L Field

Beretta USA has  introduced the Beretta A400 L Field, the latest evolution of the A400 platform. Combining the competition-proven performance of the A400 action with refined aesthetics and premium craftsmanship, the A400 L Field delivers for  hunters and clay target enthusiasts alike.

Independence Day Deal: Hi Mountain Seasonings' Western Grill Bundle

This Independence Day, Hi Mountain Seasonings is helping outdoor cooks elevate their holiday menus with the Western Grill Bundle, available for just $54.39.

Range Review: Rossi R95 Triple Black Pistol .454 Casull

Hold on tight because this lever-action pistol is an adventure to shoot! Check out the Rossi R95 Triple Black Pistol, chambered in .454 Casull.

Forest Service Signs MOU Advancing Wildlife-based Access

The U.S. Forest Service and the Boone and Crockett Club signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in late May that underscores the importance of sustaining outdoor recreation opportunities.

Henry Honors America's 250th with Collector-Grade Rifles

Henry Repeating Arms is now shipping the America's 250th Anniversary Tribute Edition Collection: three collector-grade lever-action rifles to mark the nation's 250th anniversary of independence.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.