Often, it’s humans who save the lives of animals. Not only do many of us choose to adopt animals or take them in from the streets, but we also save animals when we feed strays around town or call a wildlife rescue center when we come across a struggling bird with a broken wing, for example.
However, there are times where animals save us as well, figuratively and literally. Figuratively, our pets can “save” us by filling the missing pieces of our hearts as they enter our lives and bring us happiness daily. On a literal level, there are many stories where animals physically save the lives of humans who are hurt or in danger.
One good example of an animal saving a human’s life is in one viral story where a stray German shepherd helps a nearly-dead woman, Shannon Lorio, out from under a vehicle after a serious accident.
One day, the canine was randomly navigating the woods when he heard a loud noise: the car accident Lorio was involved in. Rather than fleeing the scene as most animals would, the German shepherd approached the scene to find Lorio underneath a two-ton vehicle with her body halfway out of what used to be a window.
Lorio’s vehicle had tumbled several times off the road when she was driving alone following a fight with her husband. Still panicking and just partially conscious, Lorio spotted a short, dark figure running in her direction. However, Lorio lost consciousness before she could make out the blurry figure.
Immediately, the German shepherd knew exactly what to do. He started to tap on her head to get her to wake up, but he had no luck. The canine then grabbed her by the hood of her jacket and pulled her with all his might. Although the task might seem impossible, the dog was able to free her from under the heavy car. What a miracle!
As the canine continued to pull the woman to safety, Lorio regained consciousness. “I don’t know when I came to, but when I did come to, I felt this huge presence. I could feel his breath. The dog…I don’t know how he came across me, but I thank God that he did,” she explains.
Lorio attempted to stand up on her own but was unable to. In response, the shepherd continued to drag her until she was in a safe spot on the side of the road. Lorio remained conscious enough to flag down an approaching vehicle before passing out again. The next time she woke up, she was in a hospital bed.
Fortunately, a nurse told Lorio that she would be expected to make a full recovery. She then asked the nurse about the dog. However, she didn’t understand what she was talking about. Not long later, Lorio’s husband popped in and explained that the German shepherd who saved her life was taken to the Humane Society.
After recovering over the course of a few days and heading back home, Lorio decided to call the Humane Society and ask about the German shepherd. She was told that the dog was already adopted by a search and rescue trainer. The shepherd was named Hero, a perfectly fitting name.
Although Lorio was not able to see the canine again or adopt him for herself, it’s clear that he made a big impact on her life and was there for her at the exact moment she needed him.
Watch the video below to hear more about the German shepherd saving Shannon’s life. It’s definitely a story to remember!
