Max The ‘hero’ Dog Saves A Mother With Dementia Lost For Three Days In A Forest
Max, a 3-year-old black Labrador dog, is being hailed as a hero after staying with his dementia-stricken owner for three days and alerting police.
Max was taken on a stroll through George Bush Park in Katy, Texas, just outside of Houston, by Sherry Noppe, a 63-year-old with early-onset dementia. The 7,800-acre park is bordered by forest and marshes and features a large soccer field, shooting range, pavilions, playgrounds, ponds, and jogging pathways.
Noppe strayed off into the forest with Max during their walk and couldn’t find her way out of the deep trees.
Having a dementia-affected family member wander off and become lost is terrifying, and it happens far too frequently. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, six out of ten dementia patients will wander at least once, and many will wander multiple times.
Noppe and Max had been missing for three days before a rescue crew found them at 3 a.m. on Friday morning. Max began barking as the rescue squad approached, alerting police to their location. Max isn’t known for making a lot of noise, which makes this all the more intriguing.
“He’s not a barker, and I fear something’s going to happen, and he’s like, ‘I’ve got to defend her,'” she says “KHOU spoke with Courtney Noppe. “They heard him growling and barking when they found her.” “Justin Noppe chimed in.
Constable Ted Heap is relieved to report Sherry Noppe, missing since Tuesday, has been found in George Bush Park. She was located at approx. 3am Friday by a group of tireless volunteers and deputies who were alerted by the sound of her dog, Max, barking in the woods. #hounews pic.twitter.com/ZKOOjldJ94
— Harris County Pct 5 (@HCpct5) May 6, 2022
Noppe and Max had been missing for three days before a rescue crew found them at 3 a.m. on Friday morning. Max began barking as the rescue squad approached, alerting police to their location. Max isn’t known for making a lot of noise, which makes this all the more intriguing.
“He’s not a barker, and I fear something’s going to happen, and he’s like, ‘I’ve got to defend her,'” she says “KHOU spoke with Courtney Noppe. “They heard him growling and barking when they found her.” “Justin Noppe chimed in.
Sherry’s family claims she has little recollection of what transpired after being disoriented in the trees. The good news is that Sherry had only minor scratches and bruises, as well as a slight case of dehydration, when she was discovered. Max is doing well, and his family has promised him a steak dinner in exchange for his good behavior.
Max’s devotion to his owner is admirable, but it’s not unusual for his breed. Labrador retrievers are one of the most loyal dog breeds, according to The Scotsman. Labs get along with everyone and adore their owners endlessly, says Brandi Hunter Munden, vice president of the American Kennel Club.