A tiny Wisconsin dog is being called a hero after using her incredible hearing to help save a neighbor in need.
Robert and Karen Fandre of Weston, Wisconsin, told WSAW that their 4-year-old dog, Lillie Ann, alerted them after hearing a neighbor calling for help.
The couple said they were watching TV in their living room when Lillie Ann suddenly began scratching at the front door.
It was unusual behavior for the little dog, who would not leave the door alone. Her owners knew something was wrong, so Robert went to check the hallway outside their apartment.
At first, he did not see or hear anyone.
But Lillie Ann was not finished.
The small dog reportedly got Robert’s attention and led him down the hallway, where he discovered a neighbor who had fallen and could not get up.
The woman had been calling out for help repeatedly, but no one had heard her except Lillie Ann.
“She went in, and we found her lying there, and so then we called the ambulance, and they came and treated her before taking her to the hospital,” Robert told WSAW.
The neighbor had been injured in the fall and needed medical attention. Thanks to Lillie Ann’s quick response, she was able to get help and is now recovering.
The Fandres did not share more details about the neighbor out of respect for her privacy.
Dogs are known for their powerful hearing, especially when it comes to high-frequency sounds. According to Psychology Today, dogs can hear sounds far beyond the range that humans typically detect.
For Robert and Karen, Lillie Ann’s actions confirmed what they already believed about their beloved pup.
“Of all the dogs we’ve had, we knew from the start that there was something special about her, and we found out now for sure,” Karen told WSAW. “We’ve known that for a long time, but we know for sure.”
The couple said Lillie Ann is also deeply tuned in to them. They said she notices changes in their moods and has even alerted Robert to changes in his health.
Now, they hope her story inspires others who may be thinking about getting a dog.
For the Fandres, Lillie Ann is much more than a pet.
She is a loyal companion, a watchful neighbor and, after one unforgettable night, a little hero with very big ears.