A former stray pit bull mix is living proof that some heroes wear collars, not capes. The heroic dog who saved his owner after he went into medical distress was recognized for his bravery with a medal.
Astro the American pit bull terrier alerted someone in El Paso, Texas, on April 15 when one of his owners, who remains anonymous, needed help. Astro’s barking ultimately led the good Samaritan to locate the 36-year-old man in distress and make a life-saving call for emergency medical assistance.
The loyal dog’s protective instinct kicked in upon seeing his owner in distress.
Astro’s family had adopted him straight off the streets in 2020 after seeing him roaming around. However, owner Bertha Martinez, whose son Astro saved, didn’t know she would keep him for so long, as she was scared of pit bulls. Yet, since lavishing Astro with love and care, she has come around to the innate gentle nature of the breed.
Ramon Herrera, interim director for El Paso Animal Services, credited Astro for being both a friend and a savior, not to mention a poster pup for pet adoption over buying dogs from breeders. “He really set an example for dogs that look just like him,” he said.
“My son might not exist if it wasn’t for [Astro].”
Reportedly, Martinez’s son is recovering and stable. As for the heroic pup, he has earned himself more than a loving home for life.