Heroic Northvale Dog Credited With Saving Owner's Life

NORTHVALE, N.J. -- A Northvale dog owner who suffered a medical emergency and lay unconscious in her home was saved when the precocious pooch smashed a window and barked loudly enough to draw attention, police said.

Passerby heard the commotion while walking past the house Friday night and dialed 911, Police Chief William Essmann said.

"Our officers observed the broken pane of glass next to the front door with the dog inside the home," Essmann said. "They were unable to make verbal contact with anyone inside the home.

"The officers were able to make entry into the home, where they located the resident who suffered an unknown medical event. It appears the resident may have been there for an extended period of time.

"Medical personnel were dispatched to the home and the patient was transported to a local hospital for treatment," the chief said.

The dog had a "very minor injury" on a front paw from breaking the pane, he said.

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