A service dog is now a hero after throwing himself in front of an oncoming bus to save the life of his blind owner.
Figo, a golden retriever, and his 62-year-old owner, Audrey Stone, were crossing the street in Brewster, N.Y., on Monday. The dog seemed to notice that the bus wasn't slowing down, and decided to put himself in harm's way to protect Stone.
Stone—who still suffered a fractured elbow and ankle and broken ribs—was found lying on the ground with Figo, whose right leg was cut down to the bone. Despite the pain, the dog remained by her side and remained calm.
"The dog did not want to leave the side of the woman at all... it was the same thing with her, she did not want to leave the dog's side," said Brewster Police Chief John Del Gardo to CBS New York. "She was very, very concerned about the dog. My officers that were there and the Fire Department assured her everything would be fine."
"You really can't touch an injured dog guarding someone. Touch them—they're aggressive. Not this dog," added Del Gardo. "I've seen service dogs in action—they really are a working wonder."
One of the witnesses, gas station manager Paul Schwartz, is still moved by the incident. He ran over to help the pair. Figo was struggling on only three legs, yet he was very eager to get to Stone.
"He let us wrap up his leg without any problem. He wasn't barking or crying or yelping. But he kept pulling toward her," said Schwartz to the Journal News.
The police brought Stone to the hospital, and she is now recovering. Figo went to a veterinarian, and is recovering from his surgery.
The bus driver said he did not see Stone and Figo crossing. He received a summons for not yielding.
