Heroic Dog Saves Boy from Mudslide During Hurricane Helene
A tragic incident during Hurricane Helene turned into a remarkable story of resilience and loyalty when a family dog named Tucker discovered 11-year-old Jamie Parker trapped beneath 12 feet of debris after a mudslide destroyed their home. This heartwarming rescue serves as a testament to the unbreakable bond between pets and their humans.
The Incident: A Family in Peril
As reported by WCNC, Jamie Parker shared his harrowing experience recounting, “I probably would have died if it wasn’t for Tucker.”
Jamie was with Tucker, his grandparents, and his sister Jemma when the mudslide struck. His grandmother, Donna Johns, described the moment: “All of a sudden I felt the house go like this and I saw walls coming at me and I thought, ‘What?’”
In the chaos, Jamie was thrown into a pile of mudslide debris, while his grandmother found herself on the roof. Feeling isolated, Jamie confessed, “I thought I was all alone. I thought my family had died.”
A Ray of Hope: Tucker to the Rescue
Despite being trapped and scared, Jamie held onto hope as he heard Tucker barking from above the debris. “Tucker was above me, and he was barking. I heard him whining and barking,” he recalled.
Jamie’s grandfather, Michael Johns, initially thought Tucker was acting erratically. “He stayed on top of the pile and was barking away, and I just thought he was going crazy,” he said. Little did he know, Tucker had located Jamie and was not moving until help arrived.
Rescue and Recovery
Emergency responders soon arrived and dug Jamie out from the rubble. He was airlifted to Atrium Health Levine Children’s Jeff Gordon’s Children’s Center in Concord, North Carolina, for treatment. After 36 hours, Jamie was finally reunited with his family at the hospital.
In a heartwarming turn of events, Tucker was also rescued from the collapsed home and was reunited with Jamie outside the hospital. Atrium Health Levine Children’s reported that Tucker is currently being fostered by one of their nurses while the family is recuperating and looking for a new home.
Tucker’s Adoption Story
Interestingly, Tucker’s journey to becoming a family hero began when he was just days away from being euthanized at a shelter. Jamie and Jemma used their allowance money to pay for Tucker’s adoption fee, which they fondly remember. “He was the last dog there. When he saw us he ran right up to us,” Jamie reflected.
In an ironic twist of fate, it was the special bond formed on Tucker’s adoption day that ultimately led to Jamie’s survival. “And he rescued me,” Jamie said.
Support for the Family
The family has set up a fundraising initiative to help secure a new home after the devastating mudslide. You can contribute to their recovery by donating here.
Conclusion
This incredible story of heroism not only showcases the unwavering loyalty of dogs like Tucker but also highlights the importance of community support in times of crisis. Through adversity, this family has demonstrated resilience and the remarkable difference that love and companionship can make.
