Brave pets honoured

Eric Keesling, his wife Cathy and their son Michael at the 2007 ASPCA Humane awards.

A DOG that saved its owner from choking on food and a cat that raised the alarm when poisoned fumes filled a house were named US pets of the year yesterday by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Golden retriever Toby performed a canine version of the Heimlich manoeuvre by jumping on Debbie Parkhurst’s chest when a piece of apple lodged in her throat.

“I couldn’t breathe and I was in panic when Toby jumped on me. He saved my life.”

And Winnie the cat clawed at Cathy Keesling’s hair until she woke up during a house fire.