Hero Pit Bull That Lost Leg Saving Woman from Train Tracks Has Died
After saving the life of her human owner and helping many vulnerable animals in need, celebrity dog Lilly the Hero Pit Bull has been laid to rest.
Lilly’s story began like many shelter dogs — a pit bull living a lonely caged life in Massachusetts.
But in 2009, Boston police officer David Lanteigne adopted the pup and gave her to his mother, Christine.
Christine and Lilly formed a beautiful bond over the years, and in 2012, the pit bull showed her true colors while out for a walk with her owner.
During the walk, Christine suddenly collapsed in one of the most dangerous places possible — a set of railroad tracks, with a train hurtling towards them.
Urgently, Lilly tugged, pushed, and pulled Christine off the tracks just in time. But it was too late for Lilly, who got hit by the train and suffered complex, traumatic injuries to her body.
Lanteigne was blown away by Lilly’s heroic efforts, and vowed to do everything in his power to save her life.
“She saved my mom,” Lanteigne told WMTW. “I’ve got to do everything I can to repay her for that.”
Lilly endured multiple surgeries to amputate her front leg and repair her shattered pelvis. As her story of bravery began to spread, donations started pouring in to help cover the mounting medical costs.
Lanteigne brilliantly used Lilly’s story for the greater good by taking all the leftover donation money and giving it away to help cover medical costs for other animals in need.
Inspired to do even more for animal welfare, Lanteigne founded a non-profit organization, Lilly the Hero Pit Bull Fund, to advocate for pit bulls and provide financial assistance to rescue shelters across America.
After a superb recovery and years of happy dog living, the senior-aged Lilly started experiencing health difficulties.
On Nov. 9, a pained Lanteigne announced that his dear friend and loyal companion had passed away.
“There is a hole in our hearts tonight for all who loved her,” Lanteigne wrote on Lilly’s Facebook page. “Her life represents the true devotion, companionship and love an animal brings to our lives.”
“Lilly is still and always will be that sweet girl, still throughout all her pain continuing to give all her kisses to everyone she loves,” Lanteigne continued.
“If I could ask anything from you at all it would be to share how Lilly has touched your life.”
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