It was New Year’s Eve, when Bob was in a celebratory mood at his home, but by the quirk of fate, his life quickly turned into a nightmare, as he lay helpless with a broken neck in the snow for nearly 20 hours.
Just about an hour before the New Year’s countdown, Bob, who lives in northern Michigan, ran out of his house in pajamas and slippers to grab another log for his fireplace – it was the moment that changed his life forever, as he accidentally slipped and fell, and in the process breaking his neck.
He tried to scream for help, but no-one can hear him as his nearest neighbor is too far away, but luckily for him, his Golden Retriever, Kelsey, heard his cries and it became his savior that night.
In a stirring and incredible series of events, this man’s best friend turned a savior for his Master…
“I was screaming for help but my nearest neighbor is about a quarter mile away and it was 10:30 p.m., but my Kelsey came,” explained Bob, according to a statement sent to CBS News by McLaren Northern Michigan hospital.
“By morning my voice was gone and I couldn’t yell for help anymore, but Kelsey didn’t stop barking.”
The temperature dipped to 24 degrees as Bob lay paralyzed in the snow, Kelsey still barking by his side. The dog prevented Bob from falling victim to hypothermia by lying on top of him and licking his face and hands to keep him awake.
“She kept barking for help but never left my side,” Bob said. “She kept me warm and alert. I knew I had to persevere through this and that it was my choice to stay alive.”
Eventually, he lost consciousness. But the silence didn’t stop Kelsey from barking, and eventually the dog’s efforts paid off. The canine is a true savior. The next day, Bob’s neighbor found him and called 911.
By the time Bob arrived at the McLaren Northern Michigan Emergency Department in Petoskey, Michigan, he was suffering from hypothermia — with a core body temperature of under 70 degrees Fahrenheit, the hospital told CBS News.
“I was surprised to find out that I didn’t have any frostbite,” Bob said. “I am sure it was because of Kelsey’s determination.” the dogs incredible resilience and love for its master is possibly the only reason Bob has made it alive to the hospital.
Chaim Colen, a neurosurgeon at McLaren Northern Michigan, immediately performed spinal decompression surgery on Bob, which was a complete success. Bob still has a long road of recovery, and hours of physical therapy, ahead of him, but thanks to his dog and doctor, he knows he’ll be just fine.
“I’m so thankful for my two heroes,” Bob said. “Kelsey kept me warm, alert and never stopped barking for help. Dr. Colen saved my life and ability to move. They are truly heroes and I will be eternally grateful.”
This story was originally published on CBS NEWS.