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A golden retriever who survived cancer surgery and then saved his owner's 20-day-old son was named the Kibbles 'n Bits® 48th Dog Hero of the Year today. Sixteen-year-old Bullet, from Bellport, New York, saved the infant, Troy Joseph Sica, by alerting the child's mother that the baby had stopped breathing. Bullet continues a tradition of canine heroism that began in 1954 with the announcement of the first Dog Hero of the Year Award.
Pam Sica, the baby's mother, was preparing a bottle on May 1, 2002 when Bullet began barking uncontrollably. With his persistent barking, jumping and racing between the kitchen and hallway, Pam followed Bullet to her room where the baby was sleeping. When she looked at her son, she saw that he was blue and essentially lifeless. Pam called for her husband, also named Troy, who frantically began CPR while she called 911. Paramedics told the Sicas that if they had found Troy ten seconds later, he could have died or had brain damage from the lack of oxygen. After a two-week hospital stay for a previously undiagnosed heart defect and double pneumonia, baby Troy has recovered thanks to his watchful canine companion.
Bullet's incident with baby Troy was not his first encounter with heroism. In 2000, his veterinarian treated him for a heart condition which led to the discovery of a softball-sized tumor on his liver. Despite Bullet's advanced age and the recommendations of their family and friends to euthanize him, Pam and her husband decided to do everything possible to save their dog's life.
"We took out a $5,000 loan to pay for Bullet's medical expenses," explained Pam. "Against the odds, Bullet recovered from surgery, and then after years of trying, we became pregnant with Troy. We truly believe that our decision to save Bullet's life saved our son. They are both our miracle angels."
For his heroic actions, Bullet and his family received these 48th Dog Hero of the Year Award prizes:
Two other dogs also were recognized for their heroism. Read the amazing stories of these Dog Hero of the Year Runners-Up.
"When the judges reviewed the entries, we were all touched by Bullet's devotion to the baby and the fact that he returned the favor of his second chance at life," said Vivian Hsia, associate brand manager of Del Monte Pet Products, the makers of Kibbles 'n Bits® dog food. "We are proud to recognize the heroic efforts of this year's winner Bullet, and runner's-up Mandy and Shadow and their acts of loyalty. We are very grateful for the hundreds of proud dog owners who nominated their courageous canines for their heroism."
View the Dog Hero Archive Timeline, or Nominate a 2004 Dog Hero.
