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Golden Retriever Hailed as 'CPR Hero' After Waking Owner During Midnight Cardiac Arrest

Polly, a four-year-old golden retriever, alerted her owners when Adam Cooke stopped breathing at night, allowing Hannah to begin CPR immediately. Paramedics later gave seven shocks en route to hospital and Adam regained consciousness six days later. He was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy and had an ICD fitted. Hannah and Polly were recognised as "CPR Heroes."

11:21 PM, 11/25/2025Health
Golden Retriever Hailed as 'CPR Hero' After Waking Owner During Midnight Cardiac Arrest

A four-year-old golden retriever named Polly is being celebrated for alerting her owners when Adam Cooke suffered a cardiac arrest in the middle of the night, allowing Hannah Cooke to begin life-saving CPR immediately.

Hannah, 33, from County Fermanagh in Northern Ireland, says she was roused by an unusual bark from Polly. When she turned to check on her husband, she found his breathing was irregular and then stopped entirely. Having previously worked as a carer, Hannah recognised the signs and sprang into action.

"When I heard the noise Adam was making I sat bolt upright in bed. I used to work as a carer and it struck me as the same sound I have heard when people are taking their final breaths," Hannah said.

She called an ambulance and began CPR until paramedics arrived. During the journey to hospital, paramedics administered seven shocks with a defibrillator before Adam's heart rhythm stabilised. He regained consciousness six days later and was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy, a condition that reduces the heart's ability to pump blood effectively.

After several weeks of recovery and a procedure to have an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) fitted, Adam was released home and reunited with Polly. The couple attribute Polly's alertness with giving Hannah the chance to act immediately.

"When I got out of hospital, I'll never forget seeing Polly again and knowing how she had intervened that night. I just cuddled her and cried for 20 minutes," Adam recalled.

The British Heart Foundation highlighted the family’s story ahead of its Heart Hero Awards, where Hannah and Polly were recognised as "CPR Heroes." The case is a powerful reminder of the difference early recognition and immediate CPR can make in a cardiac emergency—and of how pets sometimes play unexpected, vital roles in keeping their families safe.

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