A rescue dog's unusual behavior alerted her owner to a medical emergency just in time.
After years of neglect, Lola had already beaten the odds once. Then, after joining her adoptive family, she seemed to sense that something was seriously wrong with her grandpa and did not stop nudging him until he got help.
Here's what to know
Lola settled into rescue life faster than expected. In 2025, National Mill Dog Rescue had taken her in after she spent eight years at a commercial breeder in a cramped space with almost no stimulation, as reported by The Dodo.
"Despite everything she had experienced, Lola emerged as a happy, friendly little dog with so much love still to give," a rescue representative told The Dodo.
When the Mullane family met Lola, they immediately knew she belonged with them and adopted her without hesitation. "From the moment they met her, Lola delighted them with her adorable little butt wiggle and radiant grin," the representative said. "Choosing to bring her home was an easy decision for them. We were so happy to watch Lola head off to begin this next chapter of her life."
Lola's grandpa — who was living with colon cancer and already feeling unwell — went to the emergency room after Lola started acting "funny," repeatedly nudging him and lying across him, The Dodo reported. At the hospital, doctors found he was in kidney failure.
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More background
National Mill Dog Rescue wrote in a Facebook post: "Lola may have saved his life that day." Waiting longer could have made the situation far worse.
The rescue representative said: "We're incredibly grateful for the role she has played — and continues to play — in the lives of the Mullane family. They gave Lola a second chance, and in an extraordinary way, Lola was there when her family needed her most."
Readers can also take local action to help animals in their communities.
Where can I learn more?
Lola's story is one of many about rescue dogs picking up on danger before the people around them do. These articles follow shelter and rescue dogs as they alert families to medical crises, home hazards, and other emergencies.
• At a Virginia adoption event, a foster dog alerts a stranger to an oncoming seizure.
• At home, a shelter rescue dog warns the family about a hidden propane leak.
• Twelve years later, rescuers refuse to let a senior dog's story end at the same shelter.
• In Utah, a desperate plea leads to a miracle reunion with a missing owner.
• With Rita Santos, former stray Hera locates wild animal poop for conservation work.
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