A service dog jumped in front of a bus to protect his blind owner. Ow, my heart!

They're okay. Everyone is going to be okay.

Audrey Stone, 62, and her service dog, Figo* (age unknown), were crossing a street near their home in Brewster, N.Y., when a bus transporting kindergarteners turned toward them. Stone is blind and couldn't see the bus coming. The driver later said he was watching for oncoming traffic and missed the woman and dog at the crosswalk. The only one who knew what was coming was the sweet, faithful golden retriever above. Figo threw himself between the bus and his mistress.





Very good boy. (via USA Today)
The dog took most of the impact, leaving hair in the fender and suffering a cut on his leg that went down to the bone. Stone was also knocked to her feet and received a gash on the head. Even though both the dog and his owner are reportedly going to be fine, the scene sounds harrowing and heartbreaking. Paul Schwartz, who manages the Xtra Mart gas station at the intersection where the accident took place, describes it here:

"There were 15 EMTs and people all around her and the dog didn't want to leave her side. He was flopping over to her and she didn't want him to get away from her, either. She kept screaming, 'Where's Figo? Where's Figo? Where's Figo?' We kept telling her he was fine. The dog was being a good sport, really calm. He sat with me the whole time. He was limping as we put him on a big blanket on the sidewalk and it started to rain. He let us wrap up his leg without any problem. He wasn't barking or crying or yelping. But he kept pulling toward her. After she was put on a gurney and taken away, he stopped doing that. He seemed a little lost after she left."

There are strict rules about animals traveling in ambulances, so the two companions were separated. Figo is under the care of friends as both recover. Honestly, I'm too touched and impressed to make any jokes about this. You're a real hero dog, Figo, just like Air Bud!







Look at that face! (via USA Today)

GOOD DOG!!!! 

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