Man’s best friend: Dog alerts neighbor when owner has stroke

The stroke came suddenly. He didn’t remember falling, but the bump seen later on his head was evidence of his collapse. His wife was two hours away, so he was home alone and vulnerable.

The neighbor, Dan Burton, 51, of Gainesville, walked the agitated Ellie back to her owner’s home, realized the unfolding medical crisis and dialed 911.

"His dog was out, and I was bringing ’em home, and he’s just out of it," Burton told the dispatcher, according to a recording obtained of the 911 call. "He’s not his usual self. He doesn’t know my name. It’s almost like, you know, a stroke of sorts."