A heroic dog named Axel saved the life of 17-year-old Gabriel Silva by alerting his family to the emergency when Silva suffered a severe stroke.
Amanda and Daines Tanner of Spring, Texas, were awakened by their 1-year-old border collie, Axel, around 5 a.m. on Aug. 26. Initially, they dismissed Axel’s attempts to wake them, assuming he wanted to go outside.
However, Axel persisted, pawing at them insistently until Daines got up to let him out. Instead of heading outside, Axel led Daines to the door of another bedroom, where they found Gabriel suffering from slurred speech and paralysis on one side of his body.
Gabriel credited Axel’s intuition with sensing that something was wrong and seeking help from someone who could assist. He was promptly taken to the emergency room and later transferred to receive specialized care from Dr. Sabih Effendi, a neurosurgeon and stroke specialist.
Effendi diagnosed Gabriel with an artery dissection, a condition in which a tear forms in the lining of an artery, leading to an ischemic stroke due to obstruction of blood flow to the brain. This type of stroke, which accounts for 87% of all strokes, can result in significant neurological damage if not treated promptly.
Fortunately, Gabriel received timely medical attention and was administered blood thinners to restore blood flow to his brain. Effendi emphasized the crucial role played by Axel in alerting Gabriel’s family and ensuring prompt medical intervention, which ultimately saved Gabriel from potentially debilitating consequences.
After spending a week in the hospital, Gabriel underwent rehabilitation at TIRR Memorial Hermann rehab center, where he received physical, occupational, and speech therapy. He is now undergoing outpatient therapy and is hopeful about returning to school and soccer soon.
Throughout his recovery journey, Axel has remained a steadfast companion, never leaving Gabriel’s side. Amanda expressed her gratitude by considering honoring Axel with a miniature medal of honor to adorn his collar, recognizing his bravery and loyalty.
She noted Axel’s heightened sensitivity to emotions within the household and his newfound vigilance in staying close to Gabriel.
@gma Amanda Tanner’s border collie Axel led her husband down to their 17-year-old son Gabriel’s room where he was experiencing a stroke. #dog #dogrescue #health ♬ original sound – Good Morning America
source: https://www.tiktok.com/@gma/video/7293896999189925162
