Title: Heartwarming - I am so proud of Casey!
Post by: Joyce on 19-Aug-09, 12:04:30 AM
Many of you know that Casey is one of our canine falconwatchers, and that Bullet is his best friend. Casey is part Australian Shepherd, medium size (45 lbs), and 1 year 9 months old. We think the other part might be lab.
(photos taken by Dawn)
I got a call at work about 9:30 pm this evening from Steve. He just got home from taking Casey to Oatka Park (southwest of Rochester). Steve usually takes Casey to the park for a freedom run, and walks the trails for exercise. I thought - gee, it was awfully late for a walk, and to be coming home when it's dark.
Steve proceeded to tell me that he went to the park about 4:30 pm with Casey after the thunderstorms were over. He woke up 4 hours later and it was nearly dark. Steve is a Type 1 diabetic, and had a low sugar reaction. When Steve woke up, he was in a stupor and barely knew where he was, but saw Casey sitting next to him. Casey was not on leash, and amazingly for a young dog, stayed by Steve’s side all that time. Steve had no idea how long he had been there. At first, he felt panic and started to call out for help, but then he got himself up and told himself he had to find his way back to the car.
The Oatka Trails wind through fields of brush and woods. Most are wide enough for 2 people to walk side by side. When Steve got to his feet, Casey led the way. The only thing that kept Steve going was his focus on the dog. Casey would walk about 10 feet in front of Steve, and periodically turn back to see that Steve was following. When they got to a fork in the trails, Steve had no idea where he was. Steve started up the left trail and Casey did not follow. Casey sat still and refused to move. When Steve turned back, Casey headed up the right trail, and Steve followed. All the while, it was getting darker and darker.
Casey led Steve out of the woods and into the open area where the picnic cabin and restrooms are located. They stopped for water, and from there, they walked up the hill to the car. Steve ate something, and drove carefully to the local pizza place in town, got something to eat and drink, and rewarded Casey with a real treat…pepperoni pizza.
Steve said if it wasn’t for Casey, he is not sure that he would have found his way out. Until something like this happens, you never truly realize the meaning of “man’s best friend”. I am so proud of Casey . . . and blessed to have both of them to come home to!
Joyce
(photos taken by Dawn)
I got a call at work about 9:30 pm this evening from Steve. He just got home from taking Casey to Oatka Park (southwest of Rochester). Steve usually takes Casey to the park for a freedom run, and walks the trails for exercise. I thought - gee, it was awfully late for a walk, and to be coming home when it's dark.
Steve proceeded to tell me that he went to the park about 4:30 pm with Casey after the thunderstorms were over. He woke up 4 hours later and it was nearly dark. Steve is a Type 1 diabetic, and had a low sugar reaction. When Steve woke up, he was in a stupor and barely knew where he was, but saw Casey sitting next to him. Casey was not on leash, and amazingly for a young dog, stayed by Steve’s side all that time. Steve had no idea how long he had been there. At first, he felt panic and started to call out for help, but then he got himself up and told himself he had to find his way back to the car.
The Oatka Trails wind through fields of brush and woods. Most are wide enough for 2 people to walk side by side. When Steve got to his feet, Casey led the way. The only thing that kept Steve going was his focus on the dog. Casey would walk about 10 feet in front of Steve, and periodically turn back to see that Steve was following. When they got to a fork in the trails, Steve had no idea where he was. Steve started up the left trail and Casey did not follow. Casey sat still and refused to move. When Steve turned back, Casey headed up the right trail, and Steve followed. All the while, it was getting darker and darker.
Casey led Steve out of the woods and into the open area where the picnic cabin and restrooms are located. They stopped for water, and from there, they walked up the hill to the car. Steve ate something, and drove carefully to the local pizza place in town, got something to eat and drink, and rewarded Casey with a real treat…pepperoni pizza.
Steve said if it wasn’t for Casey, he is not sure that he would have found his way out. Until something like this happens, you never truly realize the meaning of “man’s best friend”. I am so proud of Casey . . . and blessed to have both of them to come home to!
Joyce
Title: Re: Heartwarming - I am so proud of Casey!
Post by: Patti from Kentucky on 19-Aug-09, 12:46:03 AM
What a great story! I'm glad they made it home safely...three cheers for Casey! :clap: :clap: :clap:
Title: Re: Heartwarming - I am so proud of Casey!
Post by: Annette on 19-Aug-09, 01:29:15 AM
Hi,
Exciting story with happy end.
Chasey is a wonderful dog. :thumbsup:
Greetings
Annette
Exciting story with happy end.
Chasey is a wonderful dog. :thumbsup:
Greetings
Annette
Title: Re: Heartwarming - I am so proud of Casey!
Post by: Dawn on 19-Aug-09, 05:14:45 AM
Aww, That's my "other" boy! Good going Casey! I'm glad both are alright, Joyce. :clap: :clap: :clap:
Title: Re: Heartwarming - I am so proud of Casey!
Post by: valhalla on 19-Aug-09, 05:45:43 AM
I never cease to be amazed that animals simply "know". I can't begin to tell you how many times a cat watched over us when one of us was sick. Good Boy, Casey! :clap: :thumbsup: :2thumbsup:
Now, does Steve know or suspect what caused him to blackout/pass out? Too much or too little sugar/food, etc? Rich is type 2 and really good about checking his sugar, but pizza and Italian Subs are frequent lunches. Even so, he stays within the 96 to 120 range, but he's also 54.
Now, does Steve know or suspect what caused him to blackout/pass out? Too much or too little sugar/food, etc? Rich is type 2 and really good about checking his sugar, but pizza and Italian Subs are frequent lunches. Even so, he stays within the 96 to 120 range, but he's also 54.
Title: Re: Heartwarming - I am so proud of Casey!
Post by: Donna on 19-Aug-09, 06:03:11 AM
WHAT AN AMAZING DOG you have Joyce, a true Hero. God Bless Steve & Casey. Is Steve OK now?
Donna
Title: Re: Heartwarming - I am so proud of Casey!
Post by: rushhen06 on 19-Aug-09, 08:28:39 AM
Joyce,
OMG, what a wonderful ending to this story.
Casey is truly a remarkable companion.
Tell hubby to never go anywhere without him.
Helen R
on eastside of river.
OMG, what a wonderful ending to this story.
Casey is truly a remarkable companion.
Tell hubby to never go anywhere without him.
Helen R
on eastside of river.
Title: Re: Heartwarming - I am so proud of Casey!
Post by: loheron on 19-Aug-09, 08:32:30 AM
Way to go ... Casey.
Larry O
Larry O
Title: Re: Heartwarming - I am so proud of Casey!
Post by: jeanne on 19-Aug-09, 09:55:35 AM
Oh Joyce! I'm so glad both are safe! And so amazed at Casey's ability to recognize Steve needed guarding and direction! It is heartwarming and such a reminder to the love dogs have for their people. Sweet boy! :heart:
Title: Re: Heartwarming - I am so proud of Casey!
Post by: Kris G. on 19-Aug-09, 11:18:27 AM
A great story with a happy ending! :clap:
Kris
Kris
Title: Re: Heartwarming - I am so proud of Casey!
Post by: Carol P. on 19-Aug-09, 06:06:39 PM
Casey is a canine hero! You go Casey! :clap:
Title: Re: Heartwarming - I am so proud of Casey!
Post by: Helen in MD on 19-Aug-09, 06:13:00 PM
Joyce,
Old practical me think Steve should have a cellphone at all times. And Casey deserves a big old soupbone (that is the one that is ok for dogs?) :heart:
Old practical me think Steve should have a cellphone at all times. And Casey deserves a big old soupbone (that is the one that is ok for dogs?) :heart:
Title: Re: Heartwarming - I am so proud of Casey!
Post by: valhalla on 19-Aug-09, 06:53:07 PM
Helen - practical me agrees with the cell phone and also thinks the alert system "I've fallen and I can't get up". The practical side hits too close to home....
Title: Re: Heartwarming - I am so proud of Casey!
Post by: mrs3popeye on 19-Aug-09, 10:39:57 PM
:clap: And Proud you should be! Some pets are so amazing! Way to go Casey! :2thumbsup:
Doris in Arkport, NY
Doris in Arkport, NY
Title: Re: Heartwarming - I am so proud of Casey!
Post by: Aafke on 20-Aug-09, 04:36:36 PM
:dogwag: Thanks Joyce for sharing this nice story. Casey is a great dog!!! :heart:
greetings Aafke
greetings Aafke
Title: Re: Heartwarming - I am so proud of Casey!
Post by: Carla P on 21-Aug-09, 01:07:46 AM
Aren't our four-legged "children" just the BEST? I'm so glad that the story had a happy ending, and Casey deserves a lifesaving award. Way to go, Casey!
Carla P.
Carla P.
Title: Re: Heartwarming - I am so proud of Casey!
Post by: Wing Goose on 22-Aug-09, 04:16:52 PM
What a wonderful story ! It made my day. So glad that you shared this story.
Lola
:clap:
Lola
:clap:
Title: Re: Heartwarming - I am so proud of Casey!
Post by: Paul Hamilton on 22-Aug-09, 04:42:32 PM
Thanks for that amazing story, Joyce! It made my day.
Paul
Paul
Title: Re: Heartwarming - I am so proud of Casey!
Post by: susan c on 22-Aug-09, 05:01:37 PM
Casey is so excellent! Part of it is breeding, but much of it is the great way that you've trained him. I think that you should be very proud of Casey, and very proud of yourself as well.
what a great dog :wub:
what a great dog :wub:
Title: Re: Heartwarming - I am so proud of Casey!
Post by: Donna on 22-Aug-09, 06:06:16 PM
Casey is so excellent! Part of it is breeding, but much of it is the great way that you've trained him. I think that you should be very proud of Casey, and very proud of yourself as well.
what a great dog :wub:
what a great dog :wub:
I totally agree :dogwag: :yahoo:
Donna
Title: Re: Heartwarming - I am so proud of Casey!
Post by: Shaky on 22-Aug-09, 06:16:55 PM
What a wonderful story ! It made my day. So glad that you shared this story.
Lola
:clap:
Lola
:clap:
Congrats on your first post, Lola!
Title: Re: Heartwarming - I am so proud of Casey!
Post by: huddiecat on 24-Aug-09, 11:02:17 AM
Joyce, what a story!! I didn't know about this Saturday or I would have brought Casey a big doggie treat! Glad Steve is fine!
Suzanne
Suzanne
Title: Re: Heartwarming - I am so proud of Casey!
Post by: Mustangrar on 30-Aug-09, 09:56:33 AM
What a wonderful story. Dogs rule!
Title: Re: Heartwarming - I am so proud of Casey!
Post by: Bird Crazy on 31-Aug-09, 10:15:42 PM
Wow what a great story. Casey is Steve's guardian angel. What a good dog. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Heartwarming - I am so proud of Casey!
Post by: annieinelkhart on 31-Aug-09, 10:43:46 PM
WOW! What a happy ending to a scarey story! That Casey deserved that pizza! Hope Steve is feeling better by morning.