Dachshund pulls Lassie-like heroics to save owner

By Brian Barker and KATU Web Staff

Summary

It all started after Pamela Fischer, who has difficulty walking, tripped over a high curb, fell into a Lake Oswego yard and hit her head. Thanks to her dachshund's incessant barking, police were eventually able to discover her. 

Story Published: May 21, 2008 at 4:20 PM PDT

Story Updated: Nov 20, 2008 at 8:31 PM PDT

Dachshund pulls Lassie-like heroics to save owner

Annie the rescue dachshund. Photo courtesy of Lake Oswego police.

LAKE OSWEGO, Ore. - In a move worthy of a Lassie episode, Annie the dachshund got help for her owner early Tuesday after the woman fell and couldn't get up, authorities said.

It all started after Pamela Fischer, who has difficulty walking, tripped over a high curb, fell into a Lake Oswego yard and hit her head. Her dachshund started barking and continued for an hour.

A neighbor, unaware of the problem, called police about 1 a.m. to report the dog's annoying conduct. When Sgt. John Brent arrived, the dog was in the middle of the street - still barking - and would not let the police car pass.

Brent spent a good deal of time trying in vain to capture the dog and quiet it until he finally heard a faint call for help, leading him to discover Fischer in a nearby yard unable to get back to her feet.

After she was checked out by medical officials, police report that Fischer is doing just fine - thanks to Annie, that is.