Dog does Heimlich manoeuvre

2007-03-29 09:21

Calvert, Maryland - Toby, a two-year-old golden retriever, saw his owner choking on a piece of fruit and began jumping up and down on the woman's chest.

The dog's owner says she believes the dog was trying to perform the Heimlich manoeuvre and saved her life.

Debbie Parkhurst, 45, of Calvert told the Cecil Whig newspaper she was eating an apple on Friday when a piece lodged in her throat. She attempted to perform the Heimlich manoeuvre on herself, but it did not work. After she began beating on her chest, she said Toby noticed.

"The next think I know, Toby's up on his hind feet and he's got his front paws on my shoulders," she recalled. "He pushed me to the ground, and once I was on my back, he began jumping up and down on my chest."

The apple dislodged, and Toby started licking her face to keep her from passing out, she said.

"I literally have pawprint-shaped bruises on my chest. I'm still a little hoarse, but otherwise, I'm okay," Parkhurst said.

"The doctor said I probably wouldn't be here without Toby," said Parkhurst.

"I keep looking at him and saying, 'You're amazing."'

- AP