GARNETT, KS (KCTV) -
We've all heard stories of dogs doing amazing things, some even saving lives. That was the case for one Garnett woman this week. But it's who owns the dog that makes this story more special.
Red is a 13-year-old chocolate lab.
While these days he does a lot more sleeping than anything else, he still knows when there is a problem.
"Red came and opened up the bedroom door and barked at me," Diana Pekarek, the dog's owner, said.
Red was a stray that was adopted by Garnett Police Chief Kevin Pekarek and his wife Diana nine years ago.
The couple knew the dog was special and he proved it this week when an elderly neighbor tripped over her lawn mower and broke her hip. The woman's faint calls for help weren't heard by anyone except Red.
"I got up to see what he wanted and he took off for the patio door. I opened up the patio door and he darted for the shed at the back of the yard," Diana Pekarek said. "I started hearing somebody calling ‘help me.'"
The neighbor, Joan, had been in the shed for more than an hour and, had it not been for Red's constant barking, it's unknown how long she might have been there.
Joan's family believes Red saved her life.
"He knew by the sound of her voice something wasn't right," Diana Pekarek said. "He seems to understand, he's very smart."
Joan is recovering from surgery in a Kansas City area hospital.
As for Red, he's just happy playing ball, but his ears will always be on patrol.
"He's just an amazing dog. He's an extremely intelligent dog," said Kevin Pekarek when he was told he should put Red on his police staff.
Red was rewarded for his good deed with a juicy T-bone steak all to himself.
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Red. Photo Courtesy: KCTV5's Alan Shope
Joan
