**Volunteer Dog Trainer Praises Heroic Puppy for Life-Saving Heart Attack Alert**
A routine afternoon took a dramatic turn for Jeannette Godsell, a volunteer trainer from Marchwood, when her 15-month-old cocker spaniel puppy, Watson, intervened just in time during a medical emergency. Despite being only partway through his specialist training to become a hearing dog, Watson’s instinctive actions are being credited with saving Jeannette’s life.
Jeannette, aged 58, is a dedicated dog socialiser for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, a charity that trains canines to serve as the ears for individuals with hearing loss. On the day in question, Jeannette was feeling “a bit funny” and abnormally tired – sensations she initially brushed off as trivial. Her plan was to head upstairs for a rest, but Watson had other ideas.
The young dog, not yet fully qualified in his role, physically blocked Jeannette’s path to the stairs. He repeatedly nudged her knee with his nose and then ran to the front door, acting with growing urgency. Clearly sensing more was at stake than a simple mood change, Watson’s insistence escalated into loud barking in the back garden, a noise which ultimately alerted Jeannette’s neighbour, Sue.
Sue’s presence at home that day was down to a cancelled appointment – an instance of fortuitous timing that arguably played a crucial role. Hearing the commotion from next door, Sue quickly came to check on Jeannette, where she found Watson anxiously seeking her attention. Upon realising Jeannette was in considerable distress, Sue wasted no time before telephoning for emergency medical help.
Paramedics arrived within minutes and confirmed the seriousness of the situation. Jeannette was having a heart attack and was rushed to University Hospital Southampton, where a team of specialists immediately fitted a stent to restore blood flow to her heart. Quick action from all involved – the puppy, the neighbour, and emergency responders – meant Jeannette was soon in recovery, sipping tea with her partner Chris by her side.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Jeannette expressed enduring gratitude for Watson’s timely intervention. “I don’t know how he knew I was in trouble – it’s not something he’s been taught to detect,” she told reporters. “Had he not been here, barking for help, and had Sue not been at home, it could have ended very differently. Watson will always be in my heart, and my heart is alright because of him.”
Volunteering as a trainer had been a relatively recent decision for Jeannette, inspired by an advert she spotted on social media. She described the role as involving the socialisation and early training of puppies, preparing them for eventual placement with deaf recipients. The dogs learn vital skills, including alerting their owners to essential household sounds and providing calm support in emergency situations.
The standard training process includes teaching dogs to nudge their owner’s knee if there is an alert and to react differently in the presence of hazards such as fires. Interestingly, Watson intervened despite not having covered the medical alert aspects of his training, illustrating an apparent intuitive bond with Jeannette.
Now recovering well, Jeannette is preparing for the emotional challenge of saying goodbye to Watson, who will soon be matched with a deaf person to continue his life-changing work. “He’s a joyous dog and will be dearly missed, but he’s destined to become an incredible companion for his new owner,” she added. “Watson gives such reassurance and confidence – he’ll be amazing in his new role.”
The story underlines the extraordinary impact trained assistance dogs can have, not only improving lives but, in Jeannette’s case, saving them. Hearing Dogs for Deaf People continues to seek new volunteers nationwide who are willing to foster and train puppies to make a similar difference.
For more information about volunteering with Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, individuals are encouraged to visit the organisation’s official website for current opportunities.