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

Olmsted Shooting BAR MK4 Hunter 2
Olmsted Shooting BAR MK4 Hunter 2

New for 2026: Browning BAR MK 4 Hunter

One of America's favorite semi-automatic hunting rifles is back, in the Browning BAR MK 4. In this video, American Hunter Editor in Chief Scott Olmsted checks out the Hunter model, with a beautiful walnut stock, and aluminum alloy receiver.

New for 2026: Remington 7mm Backcountry Offerings

The 7mm BackCountry came to light last year this time, utilizing a Peak Alloy steel case to raise the pressure limits from the traditional 65,000 psi all the way up to 80,000 psi. For 2026, Remington has joined the party with three offerings for the 7BC: Core-Lokt, Core-Lokt Tipped, and Speer Impact.

Landmark Cougar Reproduction Confirmed in Michigan

Late last month, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) verified a Dec. 6 photo of an adult cougar being followed by two kittens down a snowy trail in central Ontonagon County. The last time the kittens were documented—in early March 2025—they were only about two months old and alone, raising concerns about their survival.

Report: Private Landowner Investments in Conservation Hits Staggering Number

Private lands play a central role in the well-being of people and wildlife throughout the West, but the economic pressure increases each year. A new, groundbreaking report sheds light on the efforts and investments landowners continue to make, despite that challenge, to conserve and steward remaining intact lands and natural resources.

White Label Armory Launches Full Suppressor Lineup

White Label Armory, a manufacturing and supply subsidiary of VKTR Industries, is launching a new budget friendly, duty-capable suppressor line available to dealers exclusively through Sports South.

New for 2026: CVA Scout Spur 28-Gauge

CVA has unveiled its new Scout Spur in 28-gauge with fresh patterns. The Scout Spur is lightweight, handy and now in .28-gauge gives hunters more options in the field.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.