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Samantha Hayes reporting If you're an animal lover, or know someone who is, this story will warm your heart. It's about a woman who lost her beloved yellow labrador in a horrible accident.
She said she'd never have another dog. But something changed her mind and heart.
Susan Sterner-Howe risked her own life to save her dog "Arrow" from a pond of scalding hot water near the Jordan River Parkway. The dog died, and Susan was hurt and heartbroken. Then someone she did not know reached out to help.
Susan/ August 2005: "It was horrible. I couldn't get to him because he was getting below the water. I just kept grabbing for him, but I had to get out because I felt I was burning."
When Susan Sterner-Howe told that story of what happened to her dog Arrow, Shelley McKinney was watching.
Shelley McKinney: "There was something about the story that really got to me. I thought this is my chance to do something."
She knew Arrow couldn't be replaced, but maybe there was room in Susan's heart for another lab.. yellow, of course. So with a dog bed and crate in tow, Susan pulled into Shelley's driveway. She had said before that she'd never have another dog.
Susan: "I thought, why not? Why not a puppy?"
Susan: "I've had a lot of people respond. I would have done the same. So, let's go get the dog!"
