Digby the “defusing” dog has been praised online
(Picture: Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service)A dog has been hailed on social media, after helping to stop a woman from taking her own life.
Emergency services were called on Tuesday morning after concerns over a woman’s welfare who was seen on the bridge on the A379 near Exeter, Devon.
Police negotiators were speaking with the woman but the situation was becoming “increasingly worrying.”
That’s when Digby, the “defusing” dog, was brought in to help. The pooch helps fire crews who have been exposed to trauma during talking therapy sessions.
His presence helped the woman to come back over the railings and ultimately saved her life, according to Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service.
The service also posted a glowing status on social media about Digby’s heroic role.
The post reads: “This is Digby. Today he did something amazing and helped save a young woman who was thinking of taking her own life on a bridge over the M5 near Exeter.
“We were at the incident as part of a multi-agency response. Police negotiators were speaking with the woman but the situation was becoming increasingly worrying.
“One of the fire crews had the idea to bring along Digby, our ‘defusing’ dog. Digby helps crews who have been exposed to trauma during talking therapy ‘diffusing’ sessions.
“When Digby arrived, the young woman immediately swung her head round to look, and smiled.
“This got a conversation started about Digby and his role at the fire service.”
It continued: “She was asked if she would like to come and meet Digby if she came back over the railings, which we are pleased to say she did.
“We wish the woman involved all the best in her recovery.”
The post has since received over 22,000 likes on Facebook and over 10,000 on Twitter too, with thousands praising the pooch’s efforts.
Wow what an incredible dog & inspiring tweet, Digby sounds like our Welfare Support Dog Darcy who is part of our Wellness team in Devon & Cornwall Police, they really are amazing aren’t they ☺️
— Natasha Ann (@NatashaeoH) June 15, 2021
Proof again that dogs are just brilliant! Well done Digby and all involved. I hope this lady knows that the world is better with her in it abs she gets the help she needs ❤️
— Michelle 🏴 (@mlk_scots) June 16, 2021
Digby is a hero a hope lots of treats were forthcoming...
— Helen of Troy 💙🐝 (@AteA1000chips) June 15, 2021
While, others commented on how dogs can help with people’s mental health.
Dogs can sometimes reach in and move a part of the soul that no one else can get to. Fabulous story. I hope there's a dog I this young woman's future.
— (((stephanie mcvicker))) (@stephderm) June 16, 2021
… amazing Digby - dogs really do have a supporting & healing quality about them. I would recommend anyone going through emotional turmoil / crisis to spend time with a pooch(s) & experience for themselves their healing, comforting nature & unconditional love 💞
— Ree Starr (@ReeBee1111) June 16, 2021
That’s amazing. Well done Digby and team. Just goes to show the power of our 4 legged friends.
— Nick_Corben (@Nick_Corben) June 15, 2021
People were also sharing photos of their pups who congratulated Digby.
Digby, Meg thinks you’re amazing and wonders if you’re free on Friday night? pic.twitter.com/AX33iMdxis
— OIi (@RdgButler) June 15, 2021
Dig your, Silas thinks that you, your handler, the the genius who brought you to work here are absolute stars 🌟 BTW I think we could be brothers from another mother 😍 pic.twitter.com/3F3ANyBIxZ
— 🐝 Caroline Poole (@CarolineNhs) June 16, 2021
Digby you are a hero! Minnie would like to know if you’re single? pic.twitter.com/Tcq8nnifIN
— Mrs Delevan (@MrsDelevan) June 16, 2021
Well done Digby 👏 My boy Mr Bojangles thinks you’re great. pic.twitter.com/zlsN9Lsvig
— Jake Meaden (@MohammadAlMead) June 16, 2021
Great Job, Digsby¡¡¡
— David M Gómez Gil (@DMGGil) June 16, 2021
Bilbo (Spanish water dog) sends you his compliments and best wishes and recovery to the young lady in need.💪@perrodeagua @DSFireUpdates pic.twitter.com/hS5gt7ghHd
My own experience can testify that dogs can pull people back from the very lowest moments. All power to Digby and especially to the lady, I hope she gets all the support and space she needs. With all best wishes from me and Molly (the rescue who rescued me) pic.twitter.com/as3AP7pKPo
— Berenice Smith 💙 (@hihellolovely) June 16, 2021
A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police said: “Police were called to a footbridge on the A379, near Exeter just before 11am today [15 June] following a report of concern for welfare for a woman.
“Officers, an ambulance and the fire service all attended and localised road closures were put in place.
“The woman was brought back to safety soon after 3pm and the road was reopened. She was taken into the care of mental health professionals.”
When life is difficult, Samaritans are here – day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.org, or visit www.samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.
