In 2007, an extraordinary dog’s journey began in the woods of Georgia. This German Shepherd, living as a stray, wandered through the forest alone. One day, his path led him to a woman named Shannon Lorio, who had just crashed her car nearby.
Shannon had gone for a drive to clear her mind after an argument with her husband. The road was full of sharp curves, and she lost control on one of them. Her car spun out, and she was thrown from the driver’s seat through the back window. She blacked out, and when she came to, she found herself half inside the wrecked car and half on the ground. Fearing no one would find her, she suddenly noticed a large dark shape rushing toward her.
“I don’t know when I came to, but when I did come to, I felt his huge presence. I could feel his breath. The dog… I don’t know how he came across me, but I thank God that he did,” Shannon recalled.
She lost consciousness again, and upon waking, realized the dog had pulled her completely out of the car. Grabbing the hood of her jacket, he was dragging her away from the wreckage.
The dog hauled Shannon over 100 feet to the edge of the road. He refused to give up on her, and his determination gave her strength. She wrapped her arms around him and slowly stood up. Just then, a car passed by, and Shannon signaled for help. She asked the driver to call an ambulance and her husband before she fainted once more.
When Shannon woke up in the hospital, she learned she wouldn’t need surgery. As she recovered at home, she couldn’t stop thinking about the German Shepherd who had saved her life.
“This dog, he did everything. He’s an amazing animal, he really is,” she said.
Shannon discovered that the dog had been taken to the Humane Society after rescuing her. His heroic tale spread throughout the community, catching the attention of a canine search-and-rescue trainer named Heidy Drawdy, who decided to adopt him.
Now known as Hero, the dog became a certified search-and-rescue canine, saving countless lives over the years. His skills are truly remarkable.
Shannon is overjoyed that Hero is helping others in need. She believes this is what he was meant to do.
Merida is a senior who was found abandoned in a backyard with her sibling who had passed away. She was left to fend for herself as an 11-year-old with diabetes. Thankfully, Kanoa Rescue Foundation stepped in to save her, but she still needs your help!
“I told him you’ll always be my hero,” she said. “That’s what everybody started to call him. And that’s how he got his name.”
Hero is a smart dog who went above and beyond to assist an injured woman. If you want to learn more about Hero, check out the video below.
Toledo, United States.
