In New York one amazing dog is being heralded a hero. Audrey Stone and her service dog, Figo, were walking in Brewster, New York on Monday morning. The pair was crossing the street when Figo turned and saw danger quickly approaching. A mini school bus was headed directly towards the pair - understanding the impending threat Figo placed himself between his owner and the vehicle. Stone and Figo were struck by the bus and suffered injuries. The school bus driver who had two kindergartners on board claimed he did not see Stone, who is blind, nor her her service dog, Figo.
Witnesses on the scene immediately contacted police and emergency services for the struck pair. Stone and Figo remained close until emergency services took them to respective hospitals to tend to their injuries.
A witness on the scene said when Stone was taken away, Figo was concerned and “pulling toward her,” but he remained calm and did not bark once.
Following the accident, the school bus driver was ticketed for failing to yield to a pedestrian, and underwent a drug/alcohol test as part of protocols with the school district. The driver will remain off-duty until the results of the testing returns. An investigation is currently underway to review the timeline prior to the accident. Dashcam footage will be reviewed by law enforcement and school officials.
The two students on the bus were not injured. Their parents were notified and the children were safely transported to another bus.
Figo suffered a severe injury to his leg and was rushed to Middlebranch Veterinary for emergency surgery. A staffer told Lohud Figo came out of surgery and is currently on the mend. His right front leg is currently in a splint for support. Stone was rushed to Danbury Hospital where she was treated for a cut on her head, a broken elbow, ankle and three fractured ribs. She is expected to make a full recovery.
All because of one amazing friend and service dog who took a protective stance for his owner.