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In 2017, an adorable rescue pooch in the UK was hailed a hero after his barking woke his owner from a coma.
Speaking about it recently, civil engineer Andy Szasz from Southampton in England tells how he was rushed to intensive care after suffering from pneumonia following a battle with bowel cancer in 2016.
Doctors put Andy in a medically induced coma after he stopped breathing, with the intention of waking him up on a set date after his body had had time to gather strength.
However, everyone was left amazed after Andy's 6-year-old schnauzer poodle, or schnoodle, Teddy, managed to wake the 64-year-old from his coma – three days before the planned attempt to bring him round.
"Teddy barked and was then placed on my chest and soon after that I woke up.
"I was so surprised to see Ted, but my mind was made up – he's my guardian angel."
Gobsmacked by his impact on the patient, medics then started allowing Teddy to make regular visits to the hospital to aid Andy's recovery over the next four days.
The married dad of four was discharged less than a week later.
Now Teddy, who lives with Andy and wife Estelle (52), is changing the lives of others as a hospital therapy dog after scooping a top animal prize.
"Ted is such a remarkable little dog in many ways," said Andy.
"He's clever, loving, loyal, funny and a right little character – he really stole my heart when we first met.
"I always tell people I rescued Ted and Ted rescued me. We certainly do have a special bond."
The beloved family pet is now changing more lives in his role as a therapy dog – visiting people in hospital, hospices, care homes and schools up and down the nation.
"It's amazing to see the smiles on so many peoples' faces when he goes into the hospital.
"And Teddy just loves all the cuddles he gets – it's amazing how animals affect our lives."
