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OCOEE, FLA---She's three years old, has big floppy ears , a wet nose and only weighs 17 pounds.
But she saved the life of her best friend.
Belle the Beagle was honored in Washington Monday, the first canine recipient to win the VITA Wireless Samaritan Award which is given to someone who used a cell phone to save a life, prevent a crime or help in an emergency.
Belle saved the life of her owner, Kevin Weaver, 34, after he went into a diabetic seizure and collapsed with dangerously low blood sugar. Having been trained as a service dog, she knew exactly what to do. She found his cell phone and bit the number 9 on the keypad which had been programmed to dial 911 to summon emergency medical services.
Although all the dispatchers heard was barking, they sent an ambulance. Using her sense of smell, Belle had sensed a change in Weaver's blood sugar. She has undergone nine months of training as a diabetic-alert dog. 06-19-06
© 2006 North
Country Gazette
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