Ray Overall is no stranger to saving lives – he was a volunteer firefighter for 25 years. For his latest rescue, the 81-year-old got a helping paw from his BFF. Overall and 14-year-old Rat Terrier, Max are credited with saving their upstairs neighbor’s life at the Brookdale Senior Living Facility in Novi, Michigan. This Tuesday the heroic pair received a special honor from the Novi Fire Department, complete with some tasty treats for Max!
It was 1 A.M. on March 21. Overall awoke to a thumping sound above and Max’s incessant barking. Despite a scolding from his dad, the tenacious little dog refused to settle down. That’s when Overall turned off the television and heard a woman’s faint cries through the ceiling.
He realized his neighbor must have fallen out of bed and contacted help. The Novi Fire Department arrived shortly after and rushed the 87-year-old woman to the hospital. Overall later learned that doctors believe she would have died had she waited until morning for assistance.
Thanks to Ray and Max, the neighbor is now back home safe and sound.
To honor the feisty former firefighter and his pint-sized partner, first-responders from Novi Police and Fire arrived at the Brookdale Senior Living Facility to present them with a “Life Saver Award” and a basket of customized treats for Max!
H/T to Fox 2 Detroit
