It is said that our precious family pets are incredibly in-tune with our feelings, emotions and even our wellbeing, and the story of Alhanna Butler has supported this in the most touching and amazing way.
The British mum has paid tribute to her family’s ‘guardian angel’ dog Keola, whom she credits with saving both her life and that of her newborn son.
When Alhanna first discovered that she was expecting, friends advised her to give Keola away – something which the mum-to-be refused point-blank. Ultimately, this decision proved to be life-saving for Alhanna and her tot.
In a Facebook post which has since been removed, Alhanna revealed that 20 weeks into her pregnancy she was feeling very unwell, and doctors could not pinpoint what was wrong.
“I was 20 weeks pregnant and had been so unwell for weeks, I couldn’t walk… and I hadn’t kept anything down for weeks. Doctors put it down to me being so small and my spine not being able to manage with the extra weight well and just normal pregnancy symptoms, but Keola wouldn’t leave my side,” she wrote.
Indeed, while doctors were stumped, Keola knew well that Alhanna was in trouble. One morning, while the mum-to-be was getting ready for work, Keola started barking, keening, and following her all around the house.
Later that day, when Alhanna returned home, Keola began the process again. Aware that something was ‘bothering’ her dog, and feeling particularly unwell, Alhanna decided to head to the hospital.
Things quickly got worse for Alhanna, who fainted when she reached hospital. After being rushed to intensive care, doctors diagnosed her with a double kidney infection which, due to being untreated for so long, was incredibly serious. On top of that, Alhanna had also developed a rare antibiotic-resistant bug.
“It was killing me, and the doctors told me if I had left it any longer I would have died - and more than likely my son, also,” she revealed.
Thankfully, Alhanna managed to make a full recovery, and she went on to give birth to a healthy baby boy.
Alhanna and her family have said that they are eternally grateful to their precious dog Keola who, ultimately, saved their lives.
