Dog Saves Drowning Toddler from a Pool

By Kelli Bender Jun 27th 2012

One hero dog went from average pet to canine life guard, saving a 14-month-old's life. According to WOOD-TV, a Michigan dog named Bear kept a young boy afloat after the child fell into a pool.


The little boy's mother, Patricia Drauch, said the dramatic day escalated quickly. She and her son, Stanley, were gardening together, when suddenly Drauch noticed the boy was no longer by her side. The mother searched the house and yard, eventually finding Stanley in the pool.

Drauch told WOOD-TV that the image she saw is not one she will have an easy time removing from her mind. Her young child was emerged in the pool with his lips blue and his eyes rolled back.

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Initially, Drauch believed that her son was floating on top of the water, but as she ran closer she saw Stanley wasn't touching the water at all. The family dog Bear was situated under Stanley, so that the boy's body and face stayed above the water on the dog's back.

The mother rushed into the pool to secure Stanley and it wasn't until the child was fully removed from his back that Bear decided to move from his spot. Drauch is certain that the canine was working to save her son's life, and didn't feel comfortable moving until he knew the boy was in safe hands.

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Stanley was unresponsive at first, but after expelling a good amount of water, he regained consciousness and appeared to be in good condition. The lucky boy was taken to a hospital to be checked for any injuries and water in the lungs, but was soon released with a clean bill of health.

Drauch told WOOD-TV that since the day her family got Bear, she has been telling the dog to keep an eye on the children. It looks like all of the training paid off.