Friday John Ku – AKA – TGIF – Fri-Yay/Good News.

Today’s good news story comes from The Dodo on MSN. Here it is in its entirety.

Katie Graham and her service dog, Bailey, have been together for around four years now, and without him, her life would be vastly different.

Story by Caitlin Jill Anders

Camera Captures Incredible Moment Service Dog Goes Above And Beyond
© Katie Graham

“I suffer from an array of medical conditions, one of them being postual orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS),” Graham told The Dodo. “Bailey alerts to my rising heart rate prior to a fainting episode. This allows me enough time to sit and get in a safe position in case I do lose consciousness. Bailey will do what is called deep pressure therapy to help lower my heart rate and encourage blood flow. This helps keep me awake. He is able to retrieve medications, water, my phone, blanket, snacks, really anything you ask him to get. He seems to just know.”

Camera Captures Incredible Moment Service Dog Goes Above And Beyond

© Katie Graham

Bailey loves helping his mom and makes sure he’s right by her side whenever she needs him. When she needs help, he does everything he’s trained to do depending on the situation — and sometimes even things he isn’t trained to do.

Camera Captures Incredible Moment Service Dog Goes Above And Beyond

© Katie Graham

Recently, Graham was doing the dishes when Bailey sensed that her heart rate was rising and she might be in danger of fainting. He quickly encouraged her to sit down and grabbed her phone from the counter in case she needed to call for help. He then returned to the counter to grab her medicine, but it was too far back, and he couldn’t reach it.

That’s when Bailey did something unexpected and truly amazing. He jumped up onto the counter.

“I was surprised when he jumped on the counter, but I know in my heart he will do anything to ensure I get what I need to be okay,” Graham said. “He is very determined and does not give up. Jumping on the counter is not allowed in my house to prevent counter-surfing puppies. What Bailey did was intelligent disobedience. This means that he knows he is not allowed to jump on the counter, but he knew he absolutely had to in order to keep me safe and healthy.”

Bailey isn’t supposed to jump on the counter, but in that moment, he knew his mom needed her medicine, and that was more important than anything else. He did what he had to do in order to reach it and quickly brought it to her. Then, he opened up the fridge and got her a bottle of water to take it with.

95 comments

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thanks for sharing, Michael.

      Like

  1. OIKOS™- Art, Books & more's avatar

    A great story. It’s really touching my heart. What would we do without the help of companions? Let us also think of all employees of the parcel service that Lucy and Twiggy had helped to take a short continuous run. Lol Best wishes, Michael

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Ha ha ha. Yes, Lucy and Twiggy make sure the delivery folks get plenty of healthy exercise. 🤣

      Like

  2. Charles Yallowitz's avatar

    It’s amazing what dogs are capable of.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      So true. Thanks, Charles.

      Like

  3. Gwen M. Plano's avatar

    Service dogs are extraordinary and always amaze me. I think most dogs are strong empaths and can sense when their loved one is suffering. What a gift. Beautiful story and haiku, John. ❤️

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Gwen. I think dogs have a sixth sense about those they care about. Twiggy watches Lucy quite a bit these days. Thanks for the lovely comment. 😊

      Like

  4. Staci Troilo's avatar

    Dogs are amazing. Love this story. Thanks, John. Happy weekend.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      They are amazing. Happy Weekend to you as well, Staci. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  5. Writer Lori's avatar

    I never cease to marvel at the intelligence and deep love for their owners that dogs possess. Amazing story. So happy these two have each other….

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I’m happy they have each other as well, Lori. Dogs are the best. Thanks for the terrific comment. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  6. Annette Rochelle Aben's avatar

    Beautiful! Just beautiful! ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I agree, Annette. Thanks. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  7. GP's avatar

    Service dogs are priceless! This is a wonderful story.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thanks GP. I thought so too. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  8. shoreacres's avatar

    This is truly amazing. What Bailey can do is amazing, of course, but think of the person(s) who trained him to be capable of such things. The best phrase in the article? “Intelligent disobedience.” Sometimes that is called for, even among humans.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I liked that phrase too, Linda. If you think about it most advances in the human condition have been as a result of “intelligent disobedience.” We celebrate one example of that concept every July 4th. Loved your comment. 😊 Thanks.

      Liked by 1 person

  9. Jill Weatherholt's avatar

    This is a wonderful story, John. The current series I’m writing centers around brothers who train service dogs. The work these animals perform to changes people’s lives is amazing. Thanks for sharing!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      That sounds like a ton of research for you, Jill. Best wishes. 😁

      Like

  10. circadianreflections's avatar

    Wow, what amazing talent/ and skills Bailey has! Graham is so blessed to have Bailey!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I agree on both your points, Deborah. Thanks for making them. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  11. Dan Antion's avatar

    What a heartwarming story, John. Thanks for sharing this. Dogs are incredible.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      They are, Dan. Some things they accomplish are amazing for sure. Thanks. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Dan Antion's avatar

        I our case, it was Maddie that needed a support system. We often joked that we were her service humans. Still, she had a savant-like brilliance that amazed us.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          We feel the same way. The Producer just mentioned last night that 90% of our lives is dog related activity.

          Liked by 1 person

        2. Dan Antion's avatar

          Yes – we understand.

          Liked by 1 person

  12. coldhandboyack's avatar

    Wonderful story, John. Thanks for sharing it.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I thought so too, Craig. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  13. Teri Polen's avatar

    What an amazing story with an incredible dog. I’d never heard of POTS before until the MC in a book I read last year had it.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Teri. Look what we learn by reading. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  14. Joan Hall's avatar

    I love hearing stories like this. Thanks for sharing, John.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I do too, Joan. Thanks. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  15. Dale's avatar

    Oh wow, John. What a beautiful story this is. My heart got tight reading this. Service dogs are more than servants, that is for sure.
    Beautiful JohnKu

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Dale. So glad you liked the post and the JohnKu. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Dale's avatar

        I did. Happy Friday, my friend.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Happy Friday to you as well, Dale. 😁

          Liked by 1 person

        2. Dale's avatar

          Thank you, kind sir

          Liked by 1 person

  16. T. W. Dittmer's avatar

    Amazing story and JohnKu. It’s fantastic that Bailey senses Katie needs help and encouragement. 🙂

    Like

  17. T. W. Dittmer's avatar

    Reblogged this on T. W. Dittmer and commented:
    This story is so fantastic that I HAD to share it.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you for sharing the post today, Tim

      Liked by 1 person

      1. T. W. Dittmer's avatar

        Happy to, John. What a fantastic story!

        Liked by 1 person

  18. noelleg44's avatar

    This story brought tears to my eyes. What a sweet and smart dog! Hugs, scratches, and treats to Lucy and Twiggy!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Noelle. They appreciate your kind thoughts.

      Like

  19. walkingoffthechessboard's avatar

    Great story, John. It never ceases to amaze me when situations like this occur. Here’s to intelligent disobedience!

    Liked by 1 person

  20. neihtn2012's avatar

    Heartwarming story!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Hien. Glad you liked it.

      Like

  21. D.L. Finn, Author's avatar
    D.L. Finn, Author · ·

    Baily is a true angel on earth.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      So true, Denise. Thanks 😁

      Like

  22. Darlene's avatar

    Service dogs like Baily are angels in disguise. I love this story. Thanks.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Darlene. I agree.😊

      Liked by 1 person

  23. Debbie's avatar

    What a great story … what a fantastically-trained pup! She’s very fortunate to have him looking out for her. Thanks for sharing, John.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes, I think they are both lucky to have each other. Thanks, Debbie.

      Liked by 1 person

  24. kethuprofumo's avatar

    Wonderful story, dear John! If only humans knew to help animals that way!😉🍤🍤🍤🍻

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      That would be something, Maria.😁

      Like

  25. Mae Clair's avatar

    That is such an amazing story, John. What a fantastic Fri-Yay post! Service dogs are such a blessing for so many. Bailey sounds like one truly special dog.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      He does. Thanks Mae.

      Like

  26. quiall's avatar

    This is proof that humans are not the only thinking animals. We are constantly amazed.

    Liked by 1 person

  27. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

    I love service dogs. They do so much to ensure that their companion stays safe and has a good quality of life. They are indeed blessed.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I do too. Liz. They are blessed.

      Liked by 1 person

  28. petespringer's avatar
    petespringerauthor · ·

    Great story, John—they make the best of friends. I thought of your John Ku stories when I learned about No One Should Eat Alone Day (today.)

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I have to get back to that story. It came in too late for me yesterday.

      Liked by 1 person

  29. D. Wallace Peach's avatar

    A great share, John. Dogs are just amazing, as you well know. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I do know. They are amazing. Thanks, Diana

      Liked by 1 person

  30. Ilsa Rey's avatar

    Truly amazing. I’m so glad those two have each other.
    This story I read this morning on another blog made me think of you, in case you’d like to use it, or just read it for more good news: https://ididnthavemyglasseson.com/2023/02/15/cake4kids/

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Great story as well Betsy. Thaks for sharing.

      Liked by 1 person

  31. Jennie's avatar

    Another reason to love dogs.❤️

    Liked by 1 person

  32. Resa's avatar

    How wonderful. I think I’m in love with Bailey.
    Dogs are special. Their love is unconditional.
    Your DogKu….. erm …… JohnKu is lovely. Thank you for this Good News, John!
    OX🐕‍🦺 OX🐕‍🦺 OX🐕‍🦺 OX🐕‍🦺
    Beautiful! There’s actually a service dog emoji.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Nice job, Resa. I got a laugh out of Dog Ku. OX🐕‍🦺 OX🐕‍🦺 OX🐕‍🦺 OX🐕‍🦺 OX🐕‍🦺 🌹

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Resa's avatar

        There are Haiku
        There are JohnKu
        But the best Ku
        Is a DogKu!
        💋💋💋💋💋 (back at # 1)

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Gotta fix that 🐂 🐂🐂🐂🐂🐂🐂🐂🐂

          Liked by 1 person

        2. Resa's avatar

          💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋🐂

          Liked by 1 person

        3. John W. Howell's avatar

          I think you broke me. 🐂💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋

          Liked by 1 person

        4. Resa's avatar

          Whew! It’s about time! ox ox ox ox ox

          Liked by 1 person

        5. John W. Howell's avatar

          I know right? Wears us out. 🐂 🐂 🐂 🐂 😓

          Like

  33. Teagan Riordain Geneviene's avatar

    What an amazing, and beautiful, story. Thanks so much for sharing it, John. Hugs.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      It is a good one. Thanks for the comment, Teagan.

      Liked by 1 person

  34. Book Club Mom's avatar

    Wow what a beautiful story, John. Service dogs are the best 🧡🧡🧡

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      They are, Barbara. Thanks. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  35. Sorryless's avatar

    I am always so amazed at what these special creatures can do for us. They have the sense that us humans seems to have lost most of. Thank God for that.

    Here’s to Bailey!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Hear, hear, Marc. I so agree.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Sorryless's avatar

        Here’s to all the wonderful furry friends who keep us sane and safe.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. John W. Howell's avatar

          Two great s words. 😁

          Liked by 1 person