It’s often said that dogs are man’s best friend, but few people have proof of that. This heartwarming story from New Jersey will not only capture your heart, but also show you that dogs truly are man’s best friend. Sadie, a beautiful German Shepherd, and her owner Brian Myers are a true example of unconditional friendship, canine loyalty and love that should inspire us all.
Sadie to the rescue
man and dog
When Brian Myers had Sadie, he couldn’t even imagine that she would be the one to save his life. In January 2021, Brian suddenly collapsed while getting out of bed. This New Jersey man suffered a stroke that left him unable to walk on the floor of his home.
“I’d made four or five attempts to get up, but I couldn’t. I just kept falling back down.”, says Brian, recounting what had happened that fateful day.
Sadie, a 6-year-old German Shepherd, came running to him. “She knew that I was in trouble, and was very distressed over what was happening to me,” said Myers. “And, as I was lying there on the floor, she was licking my face and trying to keep me alert, watching over me.”
Seeing how distressed she was, Myers tried to reach up and pet her to calm her down a bit. At that moment, it occurred to him that Sadie might be able to help him. As soon as he grabbed her collar, Sadie knew what to do.
She dragged him across the room to where his cellphone was and where he could call for help. Sadie knew something was wrong, and that she needed to help.
“I could have been laying there for days before anyone knew I was missing,” says Myers, admitting that Sadie did indeed save his life.
Returning The Favor
Sadie saved Brian, but it was he who first gave her a second chance. The previous owners surrendered Sadie to the shelter (Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge) when they moved.
Her refuge bio noted:
“As is common to her breed, she is loyal and loving with her chosen people.”
The refuge states that she was confused and seemingly lost upon rescue. She is a loyal dog, but also very protective and nervous around new people, which made her adoption process a tad more difficult.
And, then Brian appeared. He felt an instant connection with Sadie and decided to adopt her.
“I was able to work through the issues she had, and committed to give her the home and love she deserved. It was the best decision I could have made because she is amazingly loving and my best friend. She has become very attached to me, and I to her.”
Listening to this man talk about his best friend, his dog, makes me tear up. You can see that he loves this dog more than anything. I’m so happy that they have found each other. He saved her, and she saved him in return.
While Myers was in the hospital and in rehab, all he could think of was his beautiful Sadie. Their reunion was filled with so much emotion, hugs, kisses, and a promise of lots of treats.
No one could remain indifferent watching these two best friends finally reunite and be so happy to see each other. “I promise to give her the best life she can have, and will never forget her loyalty and heroism on a very scary night,” said Myers, hugging his furry friend.
Once a stray from Ramapo Bergen Animal Refuge, now a cherished friend, Sadie couldn’t wait to return to her furever home in New Jersey, together with Myers.
It’s the picture that traveled the world and won so many hearts. Their story of hope and survival is both beautiful and inspiring. It teaches us all that dogs are truly man’s best friend who are there for us when no one else is.
I’m going to end this article with some wise words of Brian Myers: “If you have room in your house and love in your heart, please rescue one of these animals. You will get back tenfold whatever love you give to them.”
