‘Hero’ Jack Russell saves owner’s life

A Mount Martha man has hailed his dog a hero after she helped him when he was having a stroke.

Glenn Browne was getting ready to go out to dinner with friends when he collapsed while trying to put on a pair of jeans. Lying on the floor, confused, the 57-year-old was unaware his phone was ringing until Miley the Jack Russell stepped in.

“She licked my face until I became more aware of my surroundings and alerted me to the phone ringing.”

Glenn dragged himself down the hallway and to the phone, it was his neighbour.

“He was calling to see if I was okay because he saw me walking earlier that day and noticed something wasn’t right. When I answered a mumbled a few words and he said, ‘mate, you need to call an ambulance immediately’."

That is exactly what Glenn did. It was determined he was having a stroke and within 10 minutes paramedics arrived, shortly after he was taken to hospital and given clot-busting treatment.

The then-55-year-old had to learn how to walk and talk again and still does not have movement in his left arm. He’s still recovering and has regular therapy, but his best friend Miley is by his side every step of the way.

“Thank God for my little dog, Miley. Not only did she save my life but she’s great for emotional support and a big part of my recovery when we go for walks.”

While Glenn is still in rehabilitation, he is urging everyone to learn the signs stroke.

“Everybody should learn the signs because it could save someone’s life. I was lucky I could get to the phone in time and didn’t hesitate in calling triple zero.”

Every year, Stroke Foundation surveys thousands of Australians on their awareness of the most common signs and risks of stroke. The 2021 F.A.S.T survey of 5,000 people, revealed the Flinders electorate was one of the best performing.

81 per cent of residents could recognise at least one sign of stroke which was the best result in that category.

Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer Sharon McGowan says 81 per cent is a great result but there’s always room for improvement.

“If just one person in every household and workplace knows the F.A.S.T acronym, it can be the difference between someone surviving the stroke and living well after stroke, or having a long-term disability.”

Ms McGowan is urging all Australians to know the F.A.S.T acronym which stands for Facial droop, inability to lift both Arms, slurred Speech and Time – meaning that if you see any of these signs call triple zero (000) straight away.
Sharing that message may just save a life, she says.

“When a stroke strikes, it attacks up to 1.9 million brain cells per minute, so time is of the essence when it comes to getting emergency medical treatment. The faster people can recognise the signs of stroke, the faster they can get specialist treatment which in turn leads to better recovery and health outcomes for the patient.”