Rescue pets are living symbols of resilience and strength. These animals often endure unimaginable hardships, including neglect and abuse, yet their capacity for love and loyalty remains unbroken. Many face an uphill battle to trust humans again, while others are eager to embrace a second chance at life with open hearts. Edgar, a four-year-old Treeing Walker Coonhound, is a shining testament to this unwavering spirit. His journey from shelter dog to family hero exemplifies the transformative power of adoption and the incredible bond between pets and their owners.
Edgar’s journey began when the Lambert family from Pennsylvania visited a local shelter in search of a new companion. The moment they laid eyes on Edgar, his joyful demeanor and hopeful eyes immediately captured their hearts. The Lamberts knew they had found their newest family member. After completing the adoption process, they brought Edgar home, where he quickly acclimated to his new surroundings.
From the start, Edgar’s bond with the Lambert family was undeniable. He showed a special affection for the three young daughters, following them around the house and playing with them in the backyard. The girls, in turn, showered him with love and attention, creating a bond that felt as though Edgar had always been a part of their lives.
Little did the family know that their decision to adopt Edgar would not only change his life but also save their own in the most unimaginable way.
One calm and quiet night, the Lambert family was fast asleep, unaware of the danger that loomed nearby. Edgar, however, remained vigilant. With his sharp senses on high alert, he detected an unusual sound outside the house. His ears perked up, and he began to grow restless.
Unbeknownst to the Lamberts, a man had broken into their home. The intruder, later identified as 20-year-old Thomas Dewald, had a sinister plan—to kidnap the children. Just days earlier, Dewald had abducted another child, hiding her in a wooden trunk at his grandmother’s house until she miraculously managed to escape. Now, he had set his sights on the Lambert family.
Edgar’s instincts kicked in. With a deep growl followed by urgent barking, he made it clear that something was amiss. His loud, unrelenting barks echoed through the house, waking Thom Lambert, the children’s father. Confused and concerned, Thom got out of bed to investigate.
“It wasn’t a normal bark,” Thom recalled during an interview with FOX43. “It was a growl-howl. He was clearly upset, and as soon as I calmed him down, I heard someone heading down the stairs.”
Thom rushed downstairs to check on the situation. To his shock, he discovered that the kitchen window was open, and the back door had been left ajar. Realizing the danger, he sprinted back upstairs to check on his daughters. To his immense relief, all three girls were still sound asleep in their beds, unaware of the threat that had been looming over them.
Acting quickly, Thom called 911 to report the break-in. Edgar, still on high alert, remained by Thom’s side, growling softly as if to ensure the family’s safety.
Pennsylvania State Trooper Megan Frazer later praised Edgar’s actions, crediting the dog with saving the children’s lives. “The dog’s alertness woke up the homeowner and scared away Dewald,” she explained. “That dog is a hero. Without Edgar, this story could have ended very differently.”
Following a swift investigation, authorities apprehended Dewald. During questioning, he admitted to targeting the Lambert house specifically because of the three young girls living there. The revelation sent chills through the family. “He said he had been inside our house,” Thom shared. “That’s when our hearts really dropped.”
Dewald faced numerous charges, including attempted kidnapping, burglary, false imprisonment, and criminal trespass in connection with the Lambert case. He was also charged with multiple felonies for the earlier abduction of the four-year-old girl.
For the Lambert family, the ordeal was a terrifying reminder of how quickly danger can strike. But amid the fear and uncertainty, their gratitude for Edgar’s heroism grew stronger. “He’s just the biggest goofball,” Thom said. “But without Edgar, who knows where our daughters would be right now? Our family was completely rescued by the dog we rescued.”
A children's doctor had been evicted and had left items behind when she left. Among them was something alarming: a plastic storage bin, where a dog had been locked inside. If someone is this cruel to a small, defenseless dog, how can they continue to treat children as a doctor?
Edgar’s story is a testament to the incredible resilience and loyalty of rescue animals. Despite the challenges he faced earlier in life, Edgar found a loving home and, in turn, became a lifesaving protector for his new family. His actions serve as a powerful reminder of the unbreakable bond between rescue pets and their owners.
Every rescue pet deserves a second chance, just like Edgar. And sometimes, as Edgar’s story proves, they give back in ways that are nothing short of heroic. For the Lamberts, Edgar isn’t just a pet—he’s a cherished member of the family and a true hero in every sense of the word.
Toledo, United States.