Many stories have already proven that dogs are indeed man's best friend, and this one adds to the growing list. A 4-year-old pup traveled for more than 12 miles, riding on an ambulance's step, to accompany his owner inside.
The part-beagle pup named Buddy became a viral superstar by being such a loyal and faithful friend to J. R. Nicholson. The 85-year-old rancher was picked up by an ambulance in late October after suffering from dizziness.
After the ambulance left, Brian Wright, the ranch hand, who was also the first to break the heartwarming story, noticed that Buddy was missing while closing the ranch. However, since the dog loves to roam around, he thought he was just somewhere.
On the other hand, while the ambulance was en route to Hill Country Memorial Hospital, another motorist spotted the pup riding at the back and promptly called the attention of the ambulance driver who immediately stopped and allowed the first responders to pull the dog inside. By then, he must have been outside the vehicle for at least 15 to 20 miles.
Wright only learned of the pup's adventure when he arrived at the hospital to check on Nicholson.
The ambulance ride was about an hour, passing through hills and other uneven pathways. It's such a good thing that the dog didn't fell off at any point, although Wright mentioned that Buddy is used to riding utility vehicles and navigating difficult roads.
Buddy, who is definitely Nicholson's best friend, was a present from his daughter who found the then small pup in a shelter less than five months ago.
After the doctor found no abnormal problem, Nicholson, along with his loyal friend, was discharged from the hospital.
Today, the duo, with Wright, continues to share their story in the hope they can inspire others to help a dog by adopting it from an animal shelter and to thank equally heroic and responsible first responders.
