Pawmazing Dog Saves The Life Of An Autistic Baby, Fiercely Protecting Him As He Runs Out Into The Street Unattended

Author image for Mariel Ruvinsky
Mariel Ruvinsky • Writer and Editor
Mar 6, 2024 10:00 AM EST

Animals are amazing. We can never say that enough. Having pets is something that has changed our lives over and over. And we try, as much as possible, to appreciate them for everything that they do for us. We try to remind ourselves constantly of just how lucky we are to have them, how sad life would be without them. We thank them for the little things - the joy they bring us, and the calm, and the love. It's the little things that make pet ownership as special and pawfect as it is.

And sometimes, there are big things too, and those things truly remind us of how thankful we should be. It's moments like when a dog saves its owner from a rattlesnake bite and survives, or a parrot saves the life of a 2-year-old toddler by loudly warning her babysitter that she was choking, or when a cat saves the life of a freezing baby by curling around it all night and then going out to get help. Or moments like the one we're covering today - of a heroic dog fiercely protecting the life of a baby who ran into the street unattended.

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  • 01
    Posted by u/Weekly-Survey292 7 days ago My Lola saved my autistic sons life today American Akita
    via u/Weekly-Survey292

    Dogs are beyond amazing. We all appreciate them, of course. We appreciate the joy that they bring into our lives, the unconditional love that they give us, the softness and calm that simply surrounds them when they're happy. But what we need to appreciate even more than we do is just how much they would be willing to sacrifice for us. 

  • 02
    ATCHD
    via u/Weekly-Survey292

    This family is so lucky to have this dog. A minute alone on the street for a baby this age, autistic or not, could be life or death. Luckily, this adorable child has a pawdorable security doggo who loves him so much, he'd clearly be willing to do anything to protect him. 

  • 03
    Cheezburger Image 9889545472
    via u/Weekly-Survey292
  • 04
    This is our Lola. She was adopted a couple of months ago and immediately meshed with our family and our 4 young boys. One of them, is neurodivergent and autistic and has a terrible eloping habit. I thought he couldn't get through locks but he can. My neighbor ran into my house
    via u/Weekly-Survey292
  • 05
    and told me my son and dog were outside and he couldn't get near my son because Lola was actively defending him. He was also trying to run into the street to play and it's busy and when I got to them he was smacking her but she was diligently holding him by his shirt and dragging him away from the street. She is a blessing and I'm so thankful for her
    via u/Weekly-Survey292
  • 06
    rebmik5555 7 days ago Wow amazing!!! 个 159 Reply Share Weekly-Survey292 OP 7 days ago Extremely grateful she does deserves some recognition 105 Reply Share
    via u/Weekly-Survey292, u/rebmik5555
  • 07
    Spiritual_Channel820 · 7 days ago Lola is a treasure! Before our current Akita, Athena, we had an Akita/Shepherd/Lab rescue named Rory. Our son is ASD/ID and is prone to meltdowns. One day, back when he was maybe 8 or 9, he was really falling apart and made a run for the sliding glass door. Rory bolted and put herself between him and the door. Just would not let him near it. She also had a habit of approaching him and calmly placing one paw on him when he was distraught. When she passed away at
    via u/Spiritual_Channel820
  • 08
    So we decided to get an American Akita. And just like Rory, Athena watches over our son. If we're in public, she has to know where he is and be right beside him.* If he's upset, she gives him kisses, which he loves. We've had people assume she's a service dog based on her behavior, even though she's wearing nothing more than a plain collar and leash.
    via u/Spiritual_Channel820
  • 09
    *What I love about this is I'm her person, but in public, all of her focus shifts to my son. If he so much as walks a few feet away to look at something, she pulls to stay with him. She--and Lola--just get it. No training. No reinforcing. The just understand.
    via u/Spiritual_Channel820
  • 10
    well-ddaeng 7 days ago Akitas have such incredible instinct my Akita once save my little dog from a hostile feral cat, they're truly the best breed
    via u/well-ddaeng
  • 11
    MRGameAndShow 7 days ago Reminds me of my Beagle, Macca. She was basically my second mom when I was little. I never needed any retention in bed because she'd bump me gently when I got close to falling. She'd be my pillow when sleeping, as well as my companion everywhere. Would also defend me from other dogs while playing at the park if they got too close, too fast or in a loud manner. Rip my dog mom, miss ya.
    via u/MRGameAndShow
  • 12
    Motelroom606 . 6 days ago I feel like Akitas make such good family dogs all of mine had been so loving through my childhood and protected me give that girl a nice cut of meat she deserves it
    via u/Motelroom606
  • 13
    clariceestarling. 6 days ago so glad your sweet baby was able to keep your baby safe! I gently suggest maybe looking into getting some door annunciators if you're finding that your child is getting through all your locks. At least you'll hear if the door's been opened!
    via u/clariceestarling
  • 14
    Weekly-Survey292 OP 4 days ago I ordered a hotel lock! I'm hoping that's the answers he learned to take off the little thing that goes in the handle and uses a step stool to do the chain.
    via u/Weekly-Survey292
  • 15
    enchanted_fishlegs 6 days ago She's a once in a lifetime dog. Take care of her and enjoy every minute. Wonderful dog!
    via u/enchanted_fishlegs
  • 16
    Ancient-Stop-6190 · 6 days ago This made me teary! I don't have an Akita I'm actually a pitbull and husky/shepherd mom, but as a mama to an 18 year old boy my heart goes out to you! I can only imagine the stress you felt. What an amazing dog deserves lots of treats and love!
    via u/Ancient-Stop-6190
  • 17
    JDolittle 7 days ago Akitas are so incredibly protective and so amazing at knowing how to keep their family members safe. Thank goodness this turned out so well! Your girl deserves an extra special treat!
    via u/JDolittle
  • 18
    Uhohtallyho 7 days ago Dogs are so smart! You've only had her a few months but she knows who her family is.
    via u/Uhohtallyho

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aww wholesome dogs baby adorable thread heartwarming autism cute doggo story Reddit
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