Animal Hero

Proof that love and courage comes in all shapes and sizes

- Bill Holton

These rescue pups are natural-born EMTs!

When Andrew Budek-Schmeisser fell in his yard, he lie unable to move, his neck twisted, cutting off his air supply. He feared the worst - but, to his amazement, his two furry pals saved his life!

Andrew BudekSchmeisser was sitting in his Belen, New Mexico, front yard, petting his mixed-breed dog Belle, when his wife, Barbara, pulled up with the newest member of their family.

“Hi, boy!” Andrew called as the 90-pound rescue Great Dane, ironically named Peanut, bounded out of the car and plopped down beside Belle. “You guys are going to be great friends,” said Andrew, a disabled 64-year-old former engineer.

Andrew had cancer, and after spiking a 108-degree temperature during a bout with COVID, he’d lost years of memory. He also developed heart problems and trouble with balance.