Quick thinking: Speedy the dog saves elderly owner’s life

THE elderly woman plucked from the Newcastle West floods by a rescue helicopter early yesterday morning has revealed how her barking terrier “Speedy” saved her life.

Mary Nolan, 84, is recovering in the Mid Western Regional Hospital from hypothermia after a dramatic mission by Shannon-based air sea rescue helicopter.

Ms Nolan, who lives alone, revealed: “The water came in when I was asleep. My little terrier, Speedy, jumped on the bed barking and woke me. When I put my hand out I could feel the water. It was about 2 o’clock. It was all dark as the electricity was gone.