image via – youtube.com

Experts believe that man and the canine first became friends and later domesticated anywhere from 16,000 – 32,000 years ago. Over thousands of years the bond between our two species has become even more intertwined. The canine is almost always refferred to as “Man’s Best Friend”. Anybody who has one of these incredible fur babies can attest to just how strong a friendship and bond can be between a pup and his human. Over 1000’s of years dog’s have evolved with humans and sometimes this evolution can be visually striking as the sizes and shapes of canine’s continues to change.

Whether its burrowing into small holes to catch badgers and rabbits, being a home security system, cleaning up rats and other rodents, being a service dog for the handicapped, tracking scents in hunting or police work, saving people from fires, herding sheep for farmers our furry little friends can do just about anything! Sometimes just sitting on the couch and binge-watching some shows with your pup can be one of the most fun and fulfilling ways to spend your day

In today’s incredible video we will be featuring the story of a young 14 month old boy named Stanley, Labrador Retriever named Bear, and his mother Patricia.  If you have ever had children you know what’s they get past their first birthday, toddlers start to be able to explore their environment. This is obviously just a natural and healthy part of childhood development, however during the time the child is this age, you have to remain extra vigilant to make sure your baby doesn’t wander off into a dangerous situation.

Stanley like many other kids his age, loves to shadow and follow behind his mom wherever she goes. Whether it’s to the kitchen, the yard or to the driveway your toddler is most likely to be right behind you kind of like a dog. On one particular morning mama Patricia had been doing some gardening with Stanley by her side getting some fresh air, sunshine and some exercise

When Patricia finished up the job in her garden, she headed to the garage to put away all the gardening tools. After she put the tools back in their proper place, she looked around and Stanley had vanished. Patricia like any other mom immediately began to panic screaming out his name, searching everywhere and hoping and praying he would just show up safe.

When she got to the backyard she saw Stanley in the pool, but he wasn’t swimming, he was in the pool floating face up, but he was unconscious. She jumped into the pool grabbed him and luckily he was breathing but still not conscious.

Somehow, Bear the Labrador Retriever sensed that his little brother could possibly be in grave danger as he heard him splashing around in the water. Without hesitation, the dog leaped into action, jumping into the pool, swimming beneath Stanley, lifting him up to the surface and finally turning the toddler face up so he wouldn’t drown or swallow any water! What is even more amazing, is Bear stayed underneath the boy, keeping him floating above the surface and stayed as still as possible so the boy wouldn’t tip over sideways and go back under the water’s surface!

Patricia carried him out of the water and brought him to the local fire station where he regained conscious and made a complete recovery! His big bro Bear had saved his life and became a local hero among the community! Good boy! 🙂