Looby Loo presented with a PDSA commendation
A heroic German shepherd who helped save her diabetic owner has received a PDSA Commendation. The award recognises outstanding acts of devotion by pets.
Rescue dog Looby Loo became frantic when her owner Toby Snow began to slip into a diabetic coma. She managed to wake her other owner, Mary, by barking and whining next to their bed.
Mary realised immediately that Toby was slipping into a hypoglycaemic coma and dialled 999 whilst trying to boost his sugar levels with fizzy drinks and glucose tablets.
“Throughout the whole episode, Looby Loo didn’t leave Toby’s side," she says. "She was desperately nudging his arms and legs and licking his face. She knew that he was in danger and was trying to help him as best she could.”
Toby says he knew he was in deep trouble as he started to slip into the coma but was unable to call for help. "If it wasn’t for Looby Loo waking Mary, I hate to think what would have happened to me," he admits.
“I will be forever grateful to our wonderful dog for what she did that night – she was a true friend and her actions definitely helped me out of a very sticky spot.”
Toby usually controls his fluctuating blood sugar levels with insulin injections and tablets, but he had just returned home after a period in hospital for an infection. He says he was very weak and was receiving antibiotic treatment which interfered with the insulin's ability to work.
Mary Friend adopted Looby Loo, now aged nine, back in 2007. Two years later, she met Toby and it was certainly love at first sight for Looby Loo.
The pair formed an "instant and unbreakable" bond, according to Mary, who says Looby Loo "wouldn't take her eyes off Toby and wanted to be near him at all times."
Looby Loo was presented with her award at PDSA's Brighton Pet Hospital by Richard Hooker, the charity's director of veterinary services.
He commented: "It is amazing that a pet with no formal medical assistance training detected a potentially dangerous situation, like Looby Loo did here for Toby. Her PDSA Commendation is very well-deserved.”
Image courtesy of the PDSA
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
