In a remarkable turn of events, 17-year-old Gabriel Silva was rescued by the family dog, which sensed and alerted his parents to a stroke he was experiencing in the early morning.
In a remarkable tale of canine intuition, 17-year-old Gabriel Silva was saved by his family’s border collie, Axel, who astutely alerted Gabriel’s parents to the fact that he was having a stroke. The incident occurred around 5 am on August 26 in the Houston-area community of Spring, Texas.
Axel persistently attempted to wake up Gabriel’s parents by pawing at them.
When Amanda Tanner, Gabriel’s mom, opened the door, thinking Axel needed to go outside, the loyal dog ran downstairs to Gabriel’s room, signaling distress. Gabriel’s stepfather, Daines, checked on him and discovered the teenager experiencing a medical episode.
Gabriel was rushed to the emergency room, where doctors diagnosed him with a stroke caused by a torn blood vessel connected to his brain.
The neurosurgeon, Dr. Sabih Effendi, emphasized that Axel’s early notification played a crucial role in Gabriel’s recovery, preventing permanent deficits.
During his hospitalization, Gabriel underwent therapy, including occupational, physical, and speech therapy. His remarkable progress astonished doctors, and after two weeks in the hospital, he continued recovery at home, attending therapy multiple times a week.
While Gabriel faces an increased risk of another stroke and takes preventive measures, Axel remains a constant and protective companion by his side.
In a Facebook post, Amanda Tanner expressed gratitude for Axel’s role in saving Gabriel and marveled at her son’s exceptional recovery.
Gabriel, determined to re-enroll in high school for the spring soccer season, is now homeschooled. Axel, attuned to emotions, continues to provide comfort and companionship, rarely leaving Gabriel’s side.