LEASH OF LIFE
Spaniel cross rescues owner
A POOCH saved the life of her choking owner – by performing the Heimlich manoeuvre.
Spaniel papillon cross Lily Rose, five, jumped repeatedly on Jenny Deakin’s chest after a piece of biscuit became lodged in her throat.
Jenny, 30, from Brentford, West London, said: “I can’t believe Lily Rose saved my life. I couldn’t be more proud of how quickly she reacted.”
It was early last year that the library assistant, who lives alone, was watching TV with a cuppa and a Rich Tea.
“A piece of biscuit got lodged in my throat – I couldn’t breathe and I couldn’t make myself cough again to dislodge it. I soon started to panic as I realised it just wouldn’t move.
“I was so scared that I wouldn’t be able to get help in time. I remember thinking that I needed to get to the phone to call for an ambulance.
“I tried to crawl along the floor but the room was spinning and my vision was blurring as I struggled for breath.”
But quick-thinking Lily Rose sprang into action, repeatedly jumping on OUR vet Brian Faulkner, from Petplan, has 16 years of experience and is a freelance working all over the country. Send your questions to Brian at: Petplan, Great West House, Great West Road, Brentford, Middlesex, TW8 9DX or via Petplan’s Facebook page facebook.com/ PetplanUK. Jenny’s chest. When performed by a human, the Heimlich manoeuvre involves upward thrusts to the chest to dislodge food. And Lily Rose’s dog version of the life-saving act had the same effect.
Jenny said: “I remember seeing Lily on the sofa. Then she jumped at me, landing above my stomach.
“The force of this caused me to cough and the food was dislodged. Afterwards, I went into the loo to clean up and as soon as I saw my reflection I knew I’d had a close shave. I was deathly pale and my lips were blue.
“Lily Rose was yapping proudly in the background. We have always been the perfect match but we are closer than ever now as I owe my life to her.”
Jenny adopted Lily Rose when she was just four months old.
She added: “Her previous owner struggled to cope as she was so lively. But things were perfect for us. We curl up on the sofa, her with her dog treats and me with a cuppa and a biscuit.
“And who knows what would have happened if she hadn’t acted so quickly? She’s proof that animals are so in tune with their owners.” I have had a number of dogs and one really liked sweet treats. Why can’t dogs eat chocolate?