Rescue dog: Chihuahua saves 90-year owner who was struggling to breathe

They say dynamite comes in small packages and so much is true for one little South Australian pooch who came to the rescue recently when her 90-year-old owner was struggling to breathe.

On December 1, Minnie, the chihuahua cross with a big heart, knew something was amiss when her owner, Joyce Gibbs, went into respiratory difficulty.

The courageous canine who normally does not like to be held, managed to activate Joyce’s medical alert device to call emergency services.

Lynn Gibbs, Joyce’s daughter commented on Minnie’s heroics.

“Minnie never jumps up in that chair when mum is in it … Minnie knew she needed help, so she jumped up, trying to help her,” she told 7News.

“Whether Minnie knew what to do, whether it was an accident (who knows) … it was a good accident … she saved mum’s life … she’s our little hero.”

Paramedics arrived on the scene and transported Joyce to the local hospital where doctors confirmed she had Rhinovirus.

They expected it would take as long as three weeks for her to recover but after only just four days she returned home to a joyful Minnie who has reportedly not left her side since her homecoming.

“Minnie’s been so good from the day I got her … she’s the best dog … she doesn’t leave her side,” Lyn stated.

Lyn cautioned that this incident was a sobering reminder for her mother to always have her medical alert device on her person.

“The medical alert is just so important for old people, and this is why I’m talking to you because a lot of them (elderly) won’t wear them,” she said.

“They put them on the cupboard or on the table, but you really need them at all times, especially in the shower.”

Given Minnie’s bravery, it’s no wonder that dogs are unanimously known as man’s best friend and the perfect companion, especially for retirees. 

Dogs, with their unwavering loyalty and endless affection, offer both emotional support and a source of joy.

However, with an array of different breeds to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics, finding the best match for this stage of life can be a delightful yet daunting task.

Crucial factors such as size, energy levels, temperament and trainability, as well as your own characteristics and needs, should be considered before taking this big step to ensure a lasting, unbreakable bond between you and your new pet.

Australia’s leading dog groomer and pet educator, Andrea Myatt, also suggests weighing up the costs.

Her top choice of dog breeds for the retirement phase include:

• Tibetan Spaniel
• Cavalier King Charles
• Boston Terrier
• West White Highland terrier
• Whippet
• Border Terrier

Myatt recommends that retired people should steer clear of the “oodle breed as they require too much maintenance and costs involved in owning one are high”.