Parrot in Colorado Saves Toddler's Life
Another story of a household pet alerting its owner resulting in a life saved hit the news today. Willie is a Quaker parrot owned by Megan Howard of Colorado. Howard, who was babysitting toddler Hannah Kuusk left the room for a moment and the child started choking on her food.
According to an Associated Press story, the parrot made a commotion and squawked "Mama, baby". Ms. Howard returned to the room, performed the Heimlich maneuver and saved Hannah's life. Howard credits the Quaker parrot Willie with saving the girl's life. The Red Cross Animal Lifesaver Award was bestowed upon Willie for his actions.
Often we hear of animals, not just dogs, that save human life. Studies have shown that dogs can smell when a certain type of seizure is about to happen. In Willie's case, I wonder if it was a change in behavior, a body chemical the bird could smell or maybe he could just sense Hannah's anxiety. We live near a wolf sanctuary. Before Hurricanea Katrina and Rita, the wolves dug a large den under the ground amid the large roots of the giant trees in their enclosure. I love to hear of animals that realize there is a problem before the problem exists or is past the place of repair. Do you have a pet tale like this? I'd like to read about it.
Source: Associated Press, KHOU.com
Article submitted Tuesday, March 24, 2009 & read 102 times.
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