Dorchester beagle gets national heroism award

DORCHESTER, Mass. (MyFoxBoston.com) -- A Dorchester beagle was given the National Dog Hero award for saving her owner after they were both hit by a car late last year.

John Miles took his dog, Lucy, out for a daily walk; they traveled the same four-miles together every day for the last eight years. However, their time together was interrupted on a cold November morning. While crossing Neponset Avenue, Miles and Lucy were hit by a speeding car.

Despite her own injuries, Lucy limped to a nearby dentist's office and barked for help. The employees heard Lucy, called 911 and performed CPR on Miles. By the time first responders arrived, Lucy had braced herself against her nearly unconscious owner and refused to leave his side, even as he was lifted into an ambulance.

Miles suffered two broken legs, a broken shoulder, a torn rotator cuff and multiple facial fractures. Lucy had a torn ACL and NCL and had to undergo surgery.

After reading about Lucy on MyFoxBoston.com, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles decided to honor her with the spcaLA National Hero Dog Award. She will also receive a year's supply of dog food.

"Lucy perfectly demonstrates the human animal bond and how mutually beneficial it can be," spcaLA President Madeline Bernstein said. "A dog who was abused, forgotten, or neglected would not have been as likely to perform selfless, heroic acts to save her companion.”

Lucy and Miles are both on the road to recovery, but were not well enough to travel to California to accept the award in person.

Cox Media Group