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Ellwood City woman suffering stroke says dog saved her life

ELLWOOD CITY, Pa. — An Ellwood City woman says if it wasn’t for her dog, she wouldn’t be alive.

Deanna Stephenson was asleep when she suffered a stroke on May 2. She told Channel 11's Amy Marcinkiewicz that the dog knew something was wrong when she didn't wake up on time.

“She was on my back and she was clawing at my back. She was ripping my hair and licking my face. She barked until I woke up,” Stephenson said.

When Bella, the miniature pinscher, finally stirred her awake, Stephenson said she called her sister who eventually called 911.

When medics arrived, they immediately knew Stephenson had suffered a stroke and she was taken to an area hospital via medical helicopter.

The doctors who treated Stephenson said if the dog had not woken her up, she would have likely died.

“She most definitely saved my life,” Stephenson said.

Stephenson’s right side is still numb and her vision is off, but she believes she’s doing well.

“It’s amazing that the dog saved her life,” Stephenson’s sister, Kelly, said.

WPXI

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