Community Corner
'Heroic' Bergen Rescue Dog Fetches Award From PETA
Sadie, a rescue dog from Oakland, NJ, has earned a "Heroic Dog Award" from PETA for saving her owner after he suffered a stroke.
OAKLAND, NJ — A rescue dog from Bergen County will receive an award from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, better known as PETA, for stepping in to return the favor to her owner.
Sadie, a 6-year-old German shepherd from Oakland, will receive a "Heroic Dog Award" from PETA after she was credited with saving her owner's life after he suffered a stroke.
"She is my hero, and I love her to death," Sadie's owner Brian Myers told PETA. "I don’t know what I would have done if she hadn’t been there."
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Sadie was recently adopted from the Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge by Myers, who suffered a stroke while home alone last week, according to an earlier Patch report. Read more: Bergen County Rescue Dog Sadie Credited With Saving Owner's Life
"Sadie never left his side," animal refuge officials wrote in a Facebook post, sharing the story of the life-saving efforts.
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After licking Myers' face to keep him awake, Sadie dragged him across the room to his cellphone, where he was able to call for medical aid.
"Sadie was the only reason that Brian was able to call for help," officials said. "This time, Sadie gave Brian a second chance at life."
A Very Special RBARI Story! RBARI Alumni Sadie saved owner’s life, as she drags him to help after suffering a...
Posted by Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge on Tuesday, February 2, 2021
Myers is currently in recovery at a rehab center, according to PETA, where he anxiously awaits being reunited with Sadie, who is currently being cared for by his brother and sister-in-law.
PETA officials said this award, and Sadie's story, show that there are plenty of adoptable pets available across the country deserving of good homes.
"Sadie’s intelligence and tenacity saved Brian’s life," said PETA Vice President Colleen O’Brien. "Her heroism reminds us that many loving, dedicated dogs are waiting in shelters for a family to join, and PETA encourages anyone with the ability and resources to care for an animal to adopt one from a local shelter."
Myers will receive a framed certificate of the award from PETA, and Sadie will receive a "doggie bag" of toys and vegan treats for her heroic action.
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