Pit Bull Saves Owner From Certain Death on Train Tracks

Published May 9, 2012

Video by KSDK

A pit bull saved her owner's life by stepping between her owner's body and an oncoming freight train.

Maryland has recently deemed that pit bulls are inherently dangerous dogs. Yet, for those who own them, these dogs are far from dangerous; rather, they are intensely loyal and loving creatures. Proof of this can be found in the form of a Massachusetts woman who is alive today solely because of her pit bull.

According to a report by KSDK, a woman was rescued from certain death after falling unconscious on a set of railroad tracks thanks to her pit bull, who sacrificed her body to save her owner. With a freight train bearing down on her owner, the pit bull, an eight-year-old named Lilly, either tried to push or pull her out of the train's path. With time running out, the dog then moved between the train and her owner to spare her owner the brunt of the train hit. She wound up bearing the entirety of the hit from the oncoming train, and suffered severe trauma, including a sliced foot and a fractured pelvis along with other injuries.

Maryland Rules Pit Bulls "Inherently Dangerous" Dogs

Lilly's story is a touching one. A pit bull rescued from an animal shelter, Lilly was chosen by Boston police officer David Lanteigne to serve as his mother's companion dog. Lanteigne's mother, Christine Spain, is a recovering alcoholic. Lanteigne thought the constant companionship of Lilly would be good for his mother. 

Lilly the pit bull paid Lanteigne's good deed forward. After having her life saved through her rescue from the shelter, she saved Lanteigne's mother's life with her act of heroism, sacrificing her body to save Spain's life.

We ask again: are pit bulls inherently dangerous? Lilly's story might make Maryland lawmakers rethink their stance on the matter.

What do you think about Lilly the pit bull's heroic story? Share your thoughts in a comment.

Editor's Note: MSPCA and it's Pet Care Assistance program are providing Lilly's family with financial aid for her extensive treatments, including an amputated leg and a fractured pelvis. If you would like to support Pet Care Assistance, please visit the donation page.

Author's profile photo
Ryan Karpusiewicz Ryan Karpusiewicz is the Assistant Editor, Lifestyle, for Digital Works @ NBC U, whose main…

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Comments (162)

kristin miller c/o connie harm (Unverified)
'Suspicious device' inside Catonsville was inert grenade
marta caus (Unverified)
Tips for first-time renters
Anonymous (Unverified)
Read your home owners insurance policy very carefully. They are finding even more ways to get out of their obgligation. I read one that on page, XXXXX in very fine print stating they may opt out of paying for loses if you own a dog. Even if the dog didn't cause the loss. Be very careful. If you have one of those policy's and place a claim do not fess up that you own a dog if you can help it. Or if you have not read you policy and need to file a calme, keep your mouth shut about owning a dog.
Anonymous (Unverified)
It's nice she got saved. Now someone please check on the welfare of the poor dog. A recovering alcoholic passing out on train tracks? Very likely alcohol induced. The poor dog did not deserve that.
Anonymous (Unverified)
I was bitten by a lab, never by a pit or my rottie.
Anonymous (Unverified)
Pit Bulls are very loving dogs.There shall be no law any where that a pit bull is to banished.
K.Michelle (Unverified)
She survived (: http://www.9wsyr.com/news/local/story/Pit-bull-saves-owner-from-oncoming-freight-train/bSB-UNT850GEuJkdlBr5EQ.cspx