A Chihuahua pup began whining and hugging his owner’s chest out of the blue. Within minutes, he knew he had to call 911
The smallest gestures from our pets can often make the biggest difference in our lives. For one Georgia man, an unusual moment with his dog, ended up up becoming a life-changing warning. When his two-legged Chihuahua began acting strangely, little did he know that it would lead to a chain of events that would ultimately save his life. What makes Champ even more remarkable is that he was born this way.
As reported by PEOPLE, Andrew Kuzyk, 63, noticed his dog Champ hugging his chest and whining in an unusual way. "He usually doesn’t do that. He’ll cuddle, but the jumping, that was a little out of tune for him. I knew something had to be pretty wrong with him doing that," Kuzyk shared with WSBTV. This odd behavior immediately caught his attention, and Kuzyk soon realized he was experiencing chest pain. Recognizing the severity of the situation, his wife Pamela called for help. It turned out that Champ's instincts were spot on; Kuzyk was in the midst of a heart attack. At the hospital in Atlanta, doctors performed emergency surgery on Kuzyk, during which his heart stopped twice. Thankfully, he made it through and began recovering.
Reflecting on the life-changing moment, Kuzyk explained, "I was just watching TV when Champ came up to me. He hugged my chest right about where my heart is and made a whine I’ve never heard him utter before." Looking back, he said, "I know for sure I wouldn't be here without Champ." According to doctors, Kuzyk's heart attack was caused by a blocked major artery, often referred to as the "widow maker" due to its potentially fatal nature. Kuzyk expressed his deep gratitude for his dog, saying, "I do believe God put this dog next to me. And near me because of things I’ve had to overcome. God had a reason for that," he told WSBTV.
The bond between Kuzyk and Champ is undeniable, with the two having been inseparable since Kuzyk adopted him seven years ago. What makes Champ even more remarkable is that he was born with two missing legs. Despite this, he has been a constant source of support for Kuzyk, even prompting him to seek medical attention when he had brain cancer. "Champ has been such a messenger for helping me deal with diseases and these issues that I can't even put words on how much he means to me," Kuzyk said. With five other rescue Chihuahuas, Kuzyk has a special love for dogs with special needs, especially Chihuahuas, who often get a bad reputation. "I love him with all my heart. He's just incredible. Whenever people see him, they immediately fall in love with him," Kuzyk praised Champ for his incredible nature and unwavering companionship.
Pet canines have always stepped up in cases of medical emergencies. In another incident, two family dogs showed strange behavior, repeatedly licking the same spot on their dad’s head. At first, the family thought it was odd but cute. Later, the owner was diagnosed with brain cancer. However, after doctors removed a brain tumor, the licking stopped. The family later realized the dogs had been sensing the illness long before anyone knew, and the dogs had stayed loyal to their dad through his health struggles.