Pennsylvania dog saves owner after man falls 20 feet, injuring hip

The scorching summer sun didn’t stop a heroic Pennsylvania dog who saved his owner last week.

The alert golden retriever ran for help after his owner fell 20 feet (6 meters) down a hillside near Pittsburgh and was unable to get up because of a severe hip injury, officials said.

The heroic pup sprang into action Thursday afternoon after witnessing his owner fall down a hill into a wooded area. He ran to neighbors and “alerted them that help was needed,” rescuers said.

Neighbors called for help, which led to an exhaustive rescue operation by Ross/West View EMSA responders.

When rescuers arrived at the scene, the dog’s injured father was stabilized and given pain medication while still at the bottom of the hill, the emergency medical agency said in an online post.

A rope system was then set up to safely extract the man and transport him to a local trauma centre, where he was treated for a “serious” hip injury.

Photos taken at the scene show the rope used in the rescue tied to the Ross/West View trailer, as well as an injured man on a stretcher being tended to by several rescuers and paramedics.

The heroic dog also awaits the safe return of his owner.

“Special thanks to this patient’s dog who alerted neighbors that help was needed,” Ross/West View EMSA wrote. “The pup refused to leave the scene until the patient was safely upstairs and transported.

“He was rewarded with treats and a large bowl of water on this hot day!”

Ross/West View EMSA operates throughout Pittsburgh, providing emergency medical and rescue services to more than 54,000 people in a 25-square-mile area.