A young woman who was contemplating taking her life found the incentive she needed to retreat from the edge of a motorway bridge when she met a therapy dog. The dog has now been hailed as “amazing” for his role in helping save her life.
The distressed woman was spotted standing on a footbridge over the M5 motorway near Exeter in the south of England on June 15. Following up on a welfare concern, police officers, firefighters, and paramedics closed the road and arrived on the scene around 11 a.m. to investigate.
Crews asked the woman if she would like to come and meet Digby and she accepted their invitation.
Thousands of netizens supported the rescue services’ decision to enlist Digby and agreed that the smart dog earned his accolade.
“Maybe Digby could have a new title in his service as a diffusion and distraction fire crew member and attend more incidences like this,” wrote another. “People who are having their own mental health crisis will often still think about an animal’s welfare and story ... and put them before themselves.”
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service wished the woman well in her ongoing recovery.
Anyone in distress can call Samaritans for support from the U.K. on 116-123 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline from the U.S. on 1-800-273-8255.
