A man’s best friends... dad who collapsed on walk saved by his two dogs
A GRANDFATHER who collapsed unconscious while out hill walking was saved after an amazing rescue mission by his two pet dogs.
Nick Allen, 71, thought to be a retired GP, was hiking with his black labrador and golden retriever in the Lake District when he had a seizure and passed out.
But his loyal pooches proved they really are man’s best friends – and leapt into action.
While the retriever lay down beside his owner to protect him, the black lab raced off to get help, barking to alert a nearby hiker.
She realised something was wrong and turned back to find Mr Allen on the ground. She then called 999 to raise the alarm.
A 12-strong Keswick Mountain Rescue team was scrambled to the scene at about 11.30am on Saturday morning and it took around an hour
to complete the rescue. Mr Allen regained consciousness and was able to walk down to a waiting ambulance.
Praising the team on Facebook, his wife Diana, a former teaching assistant from Otley, West Yorks, said: “Thank you so much for rescuing my husband. He is rather special to me.”
But social media users reserved their admiration for the animal rescuers. A reply from one user, Louise Templeton, said: “I don’t know you but thank goodness he is okay – and you have amazing dogs.”
A Keswick Mountain Rescue team spokesperson said: “A 71-year-old man was out on his own walking his dogs on Braithwaite How.
“A few minutes after passing another walker he had an apparent seizure, collapsed and then became unconscious.
“Incredibly one of his dogs, a black labrador, ran after the passing walker barking to get her attention and tried to get her to return, which she duly did. She found the other dog, a golden retriever, lying by the unconscious man. Many thanks to the passing walker and the amazing dogs.”
Mr Allen, a father of three, was assessed by a medic at the scene before being taken to hospital for further checks.
His story was posted online by the Keswick Mountain Rescue Team under the strapline “man’s best friend” and has since been viewed more than 9,000 times.
The stirring account has inspired many of the readers.
One said: “Dogs are so kind and loyal. These two are amazing. Hope they get lots of love and treats.” A second added: “How clever are our fourlegged friends?”Another wrote: “Love a happy ending...”
‘The black labrador ran after a passing hiker, barking to get her attention’