“Who rescues who?” This is a question often pondered by animal owners, but in the case of Brian Myers and his German Shepard, Sadie, it takes on a whole new meaning.

The New Jersey man rescued his “gentle giant,” Sadie, in September of 2020 from the Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge after her previous owners surrendered her. In late January 2021, however, Myers collapsed upon getting out of bed. Little did he know he had suffered a stroke.

Enter the story’s hero: an amazing German Shepard. Sadie could sense her owner was in distress and laid down next to him, licking his face in an attempt to wake him. It was at this moment that Myers thought he might be able to use Sadie as a counter weight to help get himself off the ground. When he grabbed for her collar, it seemed that the dog knew exactly what to do. She took Myers directly to his cellphone where he could dial for help – an act that likely saved his life.

On Tuesday, February 9^th, Myers was released from rehab and reunited with his loyal companion. Sadie was so excited to see her owner, she licked his face to the point where his mask fell off.

Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge, inspired by this team’s story, is paying it forward by helping to support Sadie’s future medical needs through donations. Sadie is also set to be honored with a Heroic Dog Award from PETA – a much deserved honor for an incredible dog!

“Sadie’s intelligence and tenacity saved Brian’s life,” PETA Vice President Colleen O’Brien said. “Her heroism reminds us that many loving, dedicated dogs are waiting in shelters for a family to join, and PETA encourages anyone with the ability and resources to care for an animal to adopt one from a local shelter.”

“Brian gave Sadie a second chance at life, adopting Sadie and welcoming her home,” Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge said. “This time, Sadie gave Brian a second chance at life.”