They say that a dog’s loyalty knows no bounds. This very saying was tested when 16-year-old Joseph Phillips-Garcia fought to survive after a fatal car crash that killed his aunt and cousins.
It was an ordinary day British Columbia. Joseph and his family lived in Kanaka Bar, a close-knit community on the outskirts of southwestern Canada.
Joseph, his aunt, and his cousins were out on a food gathering trip in the mountains. On their way, Joseph fell asleep in the car.
Out of nowhere, Joseph felt something was not right, and when he came to, the car tumbled over a 328-foot embankment that immediately killed his aunt and cousins.
Joseph was the only survivor, together with his dog, Sako. When the car fell off the embankment, Joseph got thrown out of the car, and when he finally realized what happened, he found himself on the cold ground, alone and hurt.
He felt his head, and he could see that he was bleeding. Worse, he couldn’t feel his legs. He suffered a broken femur and collar bone. He did not have enough strength to call for help, let alone move.
Sako stayed with Joseph throughout the ordeal. He could feel that Sako was worried about him. But no matter how hopeless it seemed, Sako never left Joseph’s side.
Sako would lay on top of Joseph to keep him from getting cold, and over the next few days, Sako managed to drag Joseph to a stream where he could drink water.
Yet the least of their worries is going hungry. Battered, bloodied, and immobile, Joseph was the perfect target for the many predators that roamed the woods.
Soon, coyotes were able to track the scent of Joseph’s blood and stalked them. When Sako felt their presence, he leaped into action without hesitation and fought off the coyotes.
Fortunately, Sako was able to fend off the coyotes and went back to Joseph’s side, where he realized that Sako had been bitten in the neck. Despite their situation, the duo held on.
After three days, a rescue team finally managed to locate Joseph and Sako and rushed them to the hospital. Joseph underwent multiple surgeries, and Sako was treated for his bite wounds.
As tragic as the story was, the community hailed Sako for his bravery and selflessness in the face of danger. Sako was later inducted into the Purina Animal Hall of Fame for his deeds. He was given a medal and was celebrated as a hero!
Source Purina Canada via Youtube