Dog saves owner from heart attack in Ilocos Norte

Dog saves owner from heart attack in Ilocos Norte
Rio the hero. Pet dog “Rio” saves his owner from a heart attack in Ilocos Norte. (Image from Lemuel Salvador)

A dog in Ilocos Norte proved that they are indeed a man’s best friend after rescuing his owner from a fatal heart attack.

The 67-year-old dog owner Pio Abrenica was alone in their home on Thursday morning when he suffered a heart attack.

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According to Loida Cristobal, Abrenica’s sister-in-law, she was surprised when the pet dog Rio came out which was tied in a guava tree.

Rio went round and round Cristobal to indicate that he is asking for help.

And when Cristobal entered the house, she saw Abrenica lying down.

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The dog even accompanied the Cristobal into the house.

Today, Abrenica is recovering at the hospital. He said he treats Rio as his own child.

According to veterinarian Mary Jane Galvez, dogs develop an emotional attachment to their owners.

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“They have this instinct na ire-reciprocate nila ‘yung love na binibigay natin sa kanila. Kung ano ‘yung may emotions, alam nila kung ano nararamdaman ng amo o kung in danger sila,” said Galvez.

(They have this instinct that they reciprocate the love we give them. As for those who have emotions, they know what their owners feel or if he is in danger.)

She advised that dogs should be trained because they can easily learn.

Also read: Fil-Am dies in Chicago while saving dog