David Kenny and his family were relaxing with some friends in an outdoor location in Brisbane, Australia. Their 2-year-old son, Alexander, was supposed to be playing with Leala, the family’s Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
But no one noticed when the kid suddenly vanished from sight. Minutes later, the 9-year-old dog began tugging at David, but the man didn’t really think something had gone wrong.
Source: Lisa Brockbank/Facebook
Leala was dripping wet as she erratically barked at David. Still not realizing that his son was missing, the man casually followed the anxious dog all the way to the nearby dam.
David was traumatized when he finally registered the unnerving sight of his son’s lifeless body lying face down in the water.
Alexander was not breathing after an apparent drowning accident, and Leala had clearly tried to rescue him on her own.
The next few minutes were a blur as the exasperated dad and his friends performed CPR on the boy. While they managed to restore his breathing, he was still unresponsive.
Source: Lisa Brockbank/GodVine
At the hospital, the doctors kept the wounded Alexander in an induced coma for the next 2 days. His vitals were stable, but he had suffered a major brain injury.
The doctors gradually lost hope and prepared the parents for the worst case scenario – which was either death or permanent brain damage for the toddler.
After 48 tense comatose hours, Alexander finally regained consciousness. As his treatment continued over the next few months, the doctors were surprised by the ultimate results – Alexander not only survived but also made a complete recovery!
Source: Lisa Brockbank/Facebook
The doctors credit the timely CPR for saving Alexander’s life, but David knows it’s all his loyal dog’s doing. If the vigilant angel hadn’t alerted him on time, the outcome would have definitely been tragic.
Leala is a true-blue hero and we love her to bits!
Click the video below to watch how Leala’s heroic actions saved little Alexander from a haunting fate.
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10 of the Smartest Dogs in the World:
A friend of mine has a beautiful Dalmatian. Friendly, energetic and lovable, she was a perfect family pet… but she wasn’t the smartest pooch on the planet. See, she knew how to go through the pet door out into the garden, but she had no clue how to get back inside. It never occurred to her that the flap could swing both ways. So she would sit outside and howl until my friend would open the door.
Repeated demonstrations of the dual movement of the flap had no effect; it just did not compute. The dog breeds on this list, however, probably don’t have that problem. They’re widely considered to be among the cleverest canines in the world. Take a look and see if you agree.
1. German Shepherd
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No surprise here. German Shepherds are the world’s best police dogs, military dogs, and some have even been movie stars (remember Rin Tin Tin?). Brave, loyal, smart and strong, they’re the total package.
2. Beagle
Also on the list of the best family-friendly dogs in the world, the Beagle has an incredible nose that lets them sniff out just about anything. Born detectives, they’re not the most trainable pets, but they are smart. And hey, nobody ever accused Snoopy of being dumb.
3. Golden Retriever
A popular choice for assistance dogs for their easy temperament, natural intelligence and loyalty, Golden Retrievers are natural guides and also serve as great rescue dogs. Active and fun to be around, they’re wonderful family pets.
4. Border Collie
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Border Collies are considered by many to be the geniuses of the dog world. Expert herders, laser-focused (they’re known for their intense stare), and incredibly agile to boot, they’re workaholics and excellent athletes. Just don’t expect to keep one cooped up in an apartment.
5. Poodle
Did you know poodles were originally hunting dogs? They respond very well to training and are quick to learn tricks. So don’t let the fluffy looks and styled mane fool you! These dogs are among the smart canines around. Plus, they’re among the best dogs in the world for those who suffer allergies.
6. Belgian Malinois
A terrific military dog, the Malinois is a natural herder, tracker and worker. Smart, trainable and protective, these dogs require an owner who knows what he or she is doing. In addition to the military, Malinois are often recruited as guard dogs and police dogs as well.
7. Papillon
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Named for their butterfly-shaped ears, papillons are small, cute and pretty smart. They’re considered the smartest of the toy dog breed, with intelligence levels comparable to the über-smart border collie. They’re alert and focused pets, and loyal and lovable: an ideal friend for he family.
8. Doberman
Sadly, Dobermans are known more for their ferocity than their smarts, but these are considered among the most intelligent dogs in the world, as well as one of the most effective guard dogs around. They’re outstanding students known to be affectionate and obedient.
9. Bloodhound
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Don’t let the wrinkles and dopey expression fool you! Bloodhounds have the keenest of noses, and are often used for trailing (so much so that their evidence can be used in court against you!). These are loving but strong-willed dogs, and are often used on search and rescue missions.
10. Australian Cattle Dog
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You need a smart, determined and energetic dog to control unruly cows. And that’s just what the Australian Cattle Dog, or ACD, does. They’re intelligent enough to herd these much larger creatures, and while they need their independence and wide open spaces, they’re eager workers who know how to get the job done.
Did we miss your brainy dog on this list? If so, write in and let us know about it!
