PETA to Honor Dog Who Saved His Senior Neighbor

For Immediate Release:
November 29, 2021

Contact:
Megan Wiltsie 202-483-7382

To honor a local dog named Milo for saving the life of his elderly neighbor, PETA will present him with a Heroic Dog Award on Tuesday.

When Makayla Swift—who adopted Milo last year—opened her front door to take him for a walk on the morning of November 4, he bolted across the street and led Swift to the home of Sherry Starr, where he scratched at the side and front doors. That’s when Swift heard faint cries for help: The 85-year-old Starr had fallen in the early hours of the morning, hit her head, and become trapped between the shower and the toilet. Swift called 911, and EMTs arrived to help Ms. Starr, who was bruised but otherwise unharmed—thanks to Milo.

“When this dog sensed that his vulnerable neighbor needed urgent help, he led his guardian straight to her doorstep,” says PETA Vice President Colleen O’Brien. “PETA hopes this story inspires people to consider adopting an animal from their local shelter, where so many clever, loving, and tenacious dogs like Milo are waiting for a family to join.”

Around 70 million dogs and cats are homeless in the U.S. at any given time. An estimated 10% of them end up in animal shelters, where many must eventually be euthanized for reasons including old age, injury, illness, emotional and psychological damage, and a lack of good homes. That’s why PETA advocates for adoption and urges guardians to have their animal companions spayed or neutered.

Swift will receive a framed certificate to display in her home, and Milo will receive a basket of holiday-themed toys and vegan treats to enjoy. Photos will be available after the award is presented.

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—opposes speciesism, a human-supremacist worldview. For more information, please visit PETA.org or follow the group on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.