She thought her dog’s face-licking was just comfort during miscarriage — when ambulance arrived, she realized it was a life-saving act

Pets often play a crucial role in our lives, offering comfort, companionship, and sometimes even life-saving support. Many people share stories of how their pets have been there for them during tough times. A TikTok video shared by user María Elena, who goes by the handle @meralenaa, has touched millions, as she recounts a life-changing moment involving her late Golden Retriever, Sally. In the emotional clip, María opens up about a deeply personal experience, recalling how she suffered a miscarriage years ago. She was at home and waiting for an ambulance to arrive when her pet's unexpected gesture saved her life. 

In the onscreen text of the viral video, María shares her fear and uncertainty, stating, "I had a miscarriage years ago. I was in the tub waiting for the ambulance to get there, but I was losing a lot of blood." As she felt herself growing faint, she remembers thinking she might not make it. At that moment, her dog, Sally, stepped in and did something that proved crucial. The dog licked her face repeatedly. “She didn’t like doing that, and she did it to keep me awake,” said María, explaining how Sally, who wasn’t fond of licking people's faces, still went to great lengths to help her in her time of need.

She still wonders how Sally managed to open the door to reach her in such a critical moment. Since posting the video on May 14, 2025, the clip has gone viral, gathering over 5.6 million views. Internet users were deeply moved by the bond shared between María and Sally, and many took to the comment section to express their admiration for the dog’s loyalty and bravery. One user, @mrcard1, wrote, "She smelled the blood and stress and knew she had to make it to you. Like how humans have insane strength in life-or-death situations. I believe dogs gain insane intelligence. She was probably licking you, thinking 'stay with me.'"

While @2_nicholssisterhomestead shared her experience, "My sister's dog kept sniffing at my neck. She would constantly sniff and push in one spot. I went for my yearly physical, and they found a lump. It turned out to be cancer. After surgery, she sniffed my neck and walked away. She saved my life." @little.gh0ul commented, "My uncle had a heart attack, and his dog brought him the phone so he could call for an ambulance. Dogs just know." 

As mentioned in the comment above, it's truly remarkable how pet dogs seem to know exactly when their owners need help, especially in moments of crisis. In another incident, a woman’s service dog, Echo, saved her life during an epileptic seizure while she was in the shower. As Jaime Simpson was about to have a seizure, Echo panicked and knocked on the bathroom door. He quickly fetched a towel, found the correct medication from several bottles, and stayed with Jaime, showing his loyalty and training. Echo's quick actions prevented a potentially fatal situation. 

For more endearing dog content, follow @meralenaa on TikTok.