The month of December is about giving, caring, and family. There are many pet holidays during this month, such as Underdog Day on the 21st or National Mutts day on the 2nd. Although these days have already passed, Atherton Veterinary Clinic would like to remind you of their importance. We have combined these days and are officially naming December 27, 2011 our Underdog Mutt Day. To kick off the celebration we would like to tell you about an amazing mutt named Toby, who saved his owners life by performing the Heimlich Maneuver! Yes, you read that right.
In 2005, dog lover Debbie Parkhurst came across a goofy dog in a dumpster. She decided to keep him and named him Toby. Let’s fast forward to a normal day. Debbie is relaxing and eating a healthy snack, when suddenly a chunk of apple becomes lodged in her throat. All alone she desperately tries to free the apple by leaning over a chair and pushing her abdomen up and down on the chair back. It wasn’t working. Toby, sensing his owner was in danger knocked her to the ground and began to jump up and down on her chest so hard that he left bruises in the shape of his paws and finally dislodged the apple. Not only did he save her life, but he stuck around happily licking her face to make sure she was okay. All of this was confirmed by a friend, who arrived at the house just in time to witness his heroism, otherwise no one would believe it.
To make matters even more unbelievable, Toby followed the American Red Cross Heimlich Maneuver guidelines to a T. I wonder if that was part of his puppy training? Everyone involved will agree that while what Toby did is amazing, this goofy dog doesn’t always exhibit the best training or manners, but none of that matters when you are a hero.
If you have an amazing animal story please share it with us! We would love to hear about your furry little hero! Please post here, on our Facebook, or email your story to athertonveterinaryclinic@