An abandoned, epileptic American Bull Dog called Bentley has become a big hairy hero at Dogs Trust Evesham for raising the alarm after his canine carer collapsed unconscious while walking him.

On 9th January, canine carer Pete Cartwright was exercising two-year-old Bentley in the snowy fields around the Worcestershire rehoming centre when he lost consciousness and fell face down into the snow.

Epileptic Bentley leapt into action and raced back to the centre to alert Pete’s co-workers that something had happened.

Chris Slight, Dogs Trust Evesham rehoming centre, explains: “Bentley bounded back to us barking and we immediately realised something was wrong. The weather was atrocious that day and I dread to think what could have happened to Pete if Bentley hadn’t raised the alarm and helped us get to him just moments after he collapsed.”

Pete regained consciousness and was rushed to the vet suite where staff wrapped him in dog blankets to warm him up until the ambulance arrived. After hospital tests, Pete made a recovery and was recently welcomed back to work by a delighted Bentley.

Pete adds: “Poor Bentley has been waiting for months for a new home, but I’m so grateful that he was there with me when I collapsed. He has epilepsy and although he takes medication and his condition is under control, I think it made him sensitive to the fact that something was wrong. He’s an affectionate gentle giant and has been an absolute hero.”

Bentley is still looking for a home and Dogs Trust will pay all vet fees relating to his epilepsy. He would be best suited to a family with older children and he gets on well with other dogs.

The centre is also running low on blankets to make the dogs’ kennels cosier in winter. If you are interested in rehoming Bentley or can donate any unwanted bedding please contact Dogs Trust Evesham on 01386 830 613.