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Buddy the dog credited with saving owner's life in Boynton Beach

Posted at 2:09 PM, Jul 18, 2018
and last updated 2018-07-19 04:59:24-04

A dog in Boynton Beach is being credited for saving his owner's life. 

Josh Hilsenrath, 87, and his 12-year-old dog Buddy have a special bond. 

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Last month Hilsenrath fell in his home and was stuck there for hours. Buddy, knowing something was wrong, eventually got free through a screen door and raced to get help. 

“We were fast asleep, I hear a dog barking fiercely at my front door,” said Sydelle Charney.

She and her husband, Art, woke up at 4 a.m. to find Buddy at their door. 

The Charneys knew who Buddy was because they would often watch him for Hilsenrath. 

“His bark was telling me, 'help me, help me,'" said Charney. 

Art Charney found Hilsenrath on the bathroom floor; he had been there for almost four hours. Paramedics arrived and were able to look him over. Luckily there were no injuries and Hilsenrath was OK but if it had been any longer, Hilsenrath would have missed his insulin shot he needs twice a day. 

“God gave him brains,” said Hilsenrath. 

Buddy was able to find the Charney home that is on the other side of a lake and several blocks away. They were all amazed Buddy was able to remember where they lived and knew which door to bark at. 

"I am grateful for my friends, I am grateful for my dog, and I am grateful for the Lord," said Hilsenrath.