ScottsdaleAZ.Gov

Assistance Dog Calls 911 for Help

  
    Buddy and Joe

Hear the 911 call: Buddy's_911 call *(wav file)

Scottsdale, Arizona
12 September 2008

The Scottsdale Police 911 call center received a 911 call on September 10 at about 11:45 AM. The 911 operator, Chris Trott, a veteran police dispatcher, had never had a call like this before. This call was from a dog. On the other end of the phone, she heard the whimpering and barking of “Buddy”, a trained assistance dog.

“Buddy” is an 18 month old German shepherd. He was trained by his owner, Joe, to call 911 whenever he has a seizure. Joe was injured while serving his country in the US military and the injuries cause him to have seizures and blackouts. He got buddy through the help of “Paws For A Cause” assistance animal adoption service.

Joe got “Buddy” as an 8 week old puppy. He has trained Buddy to recognize when he is having a seizure and respond by grabbing the phone and bringing it to Joe. If Joe cannot place the call, Buddy pushes the buttons with his teeth until the programmed speed-dial keys dial 911. When Buddy ears the operator say, “911, what is your emergency”, he puts the phone down and whimpers as if he’s in distress. The 911 system matches the call to the address and emergency help is instantly on the way. In this case, officers got to Joe in just over 2 minutes from the time Buddy placed the call.

Officers found Joe in distress from one of his more severe seizures. Paramedics arrived and took him to the hospital. Buddy, of course, rode in the ambulance with Joe.

After 2 days in the hospital, Joe has recovered from the seizure. He is thankful for his faithful companion and lifesaver, Buddy.

 

Media Contact: Sgt. Mark Clark
480.312.1910
pio@scottsdaleaz.gov