Dogs are more than just loyal companions; they often have an innate sense to protect and help their human families in ways we might not expect. Kelly Andrew from Boston, Massachusetts, recently experienced this when her Boston terrier, Henry, helped save her infant’s life.

One night, Henry repeatedly tried to get into the nursery and kept waking up the baby, much to Kelly’s confusion. But soon, she realized Henry’s persistence wasn’t without reason — her baby had stopped breathing. Immediately, she rushed her daughter to the hospital, where doctors were able to help her recover. Kelly later understood that Henry wasn’t trying to disturb the household but rather to alert her to an emergency.

Henry’s alertness and determination to keep the baby awake likely made all the difference, enabling her to receive timely medical care. Although Henry is usually scared of the dark, he bravely stayed close to the baby’s side throughout the night, a real-life hero in action.

Since sharing her story, Kelly has received messages from others with similar experiences, showcasing how dogs have an incredible capacity to sense health issues in their loved ones. Some people described how their own dogs had alerted them to health problems, prompting timely medical intervention. Henry’s story is a reminder of how dogs often know something’s wrong long before we do.

Thanks to Henry’s quick thinking, the baby is now recovering well, and Kelly is grateful to both her brave dog and the medical team at Connecticut Children’s Hospital who saved her daughter. Henry’s loyalty and keen instincts prove just how life-saving dogs can be, even when their actions seem like mischief at first glance. Good boy, Henry!