Shelter Dog, Duke, Becomes Hero Dog by Saving Baby

If the stories of the past haven't convinced you that pets have a sixth sense that allows them to perceive threats or danger before humans, perhaps the most recent story will. According to ABC News, a Connecticut shelter pet that's being proclaimed a hero dog can be credited with saving the life of one family's infant.

Normally well-behaved, the Brousseau family dog, Duke, burst into his parents room in the middle of the night, reportedly rousing the couple from sleep by jumping on their bed and shaking uncontrollably. Thrown off by Duke's unusual antics, the family decided that they'd check on their nine-week-old daughter, Harper, who they had put to sleep earlier.

Upon checking on Harper, they discovered any parents nightmare: they found her not breathing. Obviously alarmed and fearful for Harper's life, the family called 911, upon which paramedics responded and administered the infant the care she required. Fortunately, Harper would turn out to be OK thanks to the care that she received. 

Without Duke, though, Harper's fate could have turned out very differently. The family fully credits the shelter dog for raising the necessary alarm and sensing the baby girl's distress.

The heroism and instincts that animals display at times can be utterly incredible. Duke's story (which ironically came right on time during National Adopt a Shelter Dog Month) is just the latest of the many stories that point to our pet's protective nature. Truly, these alarm-raising abilities can be counted as one of the many intangible benefits our pets provide us!

What do you think about this remarkable story? Do you think our pets have a sixth sense? Tell us in a comment and in our poll below!