If you didn’t already know, dogs have a sixth sense about things. In times when we are sad, they can comfort us out of the blue as if they have the ability to read our thoughts. We love dogs for their many amazing gifts, but the unique way they touch our hearts with their endless compassion makes us feel appreciated in ways we could never forget.
For a young man named Byron Taylor, he wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for his special Bull Mastiff, Geo, that consoled him in when he was at the lowest point he never imagined he could be. After going through a very difficult breakup with his partner, Byron wanted to take his own life to deal with the pain. On a day fueled by heavy drinking, he made a noose; then went downstairs to write a farewell letter for his family to find once he was gone. His dog, Geo, didn’t go with him downstairs because he had other plans, after sensing his owner’s immense sadness and frustrations with life.
When Byron came back upstairs, he noticed the noose he had made was in Geo’s mouth.
“At first, I thought he wanted to play. I said ‘give it here’, and he started growling at me,” Byron said. He could see the noose was mangled to pieces as it dangled from Geo’s mouth. “He chewed up the noose. He never growls, but each time I tried to take it off him, he would snarl. I wouldn’t be here now if it wasn’t for him.”
In that moment Byron knew that his dog had the ability to sense what was wrong, and knew that it was his mission to stop his owner from causing himself harm.
“In a way, I think Geo knew what I was going to do. They have a sixth sense about this kind of thing. He knew something was up.”
If you or someone you love is struggling, please visit the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline webpage or call 1-800-273-8255.