2007 Hall of Fame Inductee...
Samantha "Sam"
West Highland Terrier Nominated by Dr. Stephanie Phillips
The sole pet of Paul and Paulla Manikowski of Dallas, TX is Samantha “Sam,” a spunky 9-year-old white West Highland Terrier. Dr. Stephanie Chritton has had the pleasure of working with the Manikowskis and Sam over the years. Dr. Chritton nominated Sam for the Texas Animal Hall of Fame after hearing of her heroic act that saved Paul’s life in the summer of 2006.
On June 4, 2006 Paul was outside mowing the lawn, while his wife was inside busying herself with her usual Sunday activities. Afraid of the lawn mower, but intrigued by it, Sam sat watching Paul through the french doors. Suddenly Sam began barking frantically and uncharacteristically. Upon hearing this, Paulla came to investigate what Sam was alerting her to, and found Paul collapsed on the patio in cardiac and respiratory arrest.
“Had she not barked, I would not have called 9-1-1 in enough time. I was instructed on performing chest compressions over the phone to keep his airways open. If I wouldn’t have been able to do this, it would have been too late,” says Paulla. “She’s our little heroine.”
Paulla and emergency medical personnel were able to resuscitate Paul, and he was then transported to the hospital for further treatment.
Seeing Paul months later after his recovery, Dr. Chritton says that the Manikowskis credited Sam with saving Paul’s life.
“It was Paul and Sam’s bond as best buds that caused Sam to sense that something was terribly wrong,” says Paulla.
Paul says of his best bud, “People may think she is not a good example of a Westie because her nose is too long, her body is too long and her tail is too long, but that’s not important because she’s a damn good dog.”
Sam was inducted into the Hall of Fame during the Dallas County VMA meeting at the UT Southwestern Medical School A.W. Harris Faculty Club February 12, 2008. Her owners, Paul and Paulla, were there to accept the award presented by Dr. Ann Heymann, former President of the DCVMA.
