DIGBY A LIFE SAVER
Real doggone hero
A THERAPY dog helped to save the life of a woman who was contemplating suicide on a motorway.
Digby, who works with rescue crews, came to the aid of the young woman who was thinking of taking her own life on a bridge.
The Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service was on the scene as part of the response, but negotiators were becoming increasingly worried about the situation.
A spokesman explained: “One of the to bring along Digby, our ‘defusing’ dog.”
Digby has previously helped in talking therapy sessions for emergency workers who have been exposed to trauma.
The spokesman continued: “When Digby arrived, the young woman immediately swung her head round to look and smiled.
“This got a conversation started about Digby and his role at the fire service. She was asked if she would like to meet Digby if she came back over the railings, which we are pleased to say that she did.”
Digby’s “amazing” actions above the M5 near Exeter on
Tuesday won plenty of praise across social media.
One person said: “Well done Digby. Cockapoos can be very intuitive and have the face and eyes that, in my opinion, show that they want to be friends to help to listen and to play.”
Another wrote: “Dogs are amazing, they can sometimes do what humans just aren’t able to. Well done to all concerned.”
Anyone in need of confidential emotional support can call Samaritans free on 116 123 or by emailing jo@samaritans.org or visiting Samaritans.org.