They are the best of friends, and for the Mccarty family, 9-month-old "Meatball" is a life-saver.
"He saved my husband's life," said Kim McCarty of Clifton Heights.
Joe Mccarty is paralyzed on his left side. The Sharon Hill firefighter has suffered four strokes. Last week while in the basement, Meatball could sense something was terribly wrong and he started barking non-stop.
"I ran down the steps and when I got down here I saw Joe on the couch and Meatball perched on top of him. Joe was in what appeared to be a full blown seizure," said Kim.
Kim Mccarty says Meatball was licking Joe's face, and wouldn't leave his side. Somehow the dog knew what to do.
"No training, no formal training, he came from the mean streets of Afghanistan," said Kim.
The Mccarty's adopted Meatball in August after soldier Darren Gainer rescued a litter of puppies including Meatball and brought them back to the U.S. Kim and Joe say they knew right away he was special.
"He knows if I am not feeling well, he'll sleep right here so I won't roll off because he has body weight to keep me from falling off the couch," said Joe McCarty.
The Mccartys are so proud of their pet pup , they share his stories on social media.
Meatball is so popular on Facebook his fans send him toys and treats. He even has gifts to open for Christmas.
But Meatball is the real gift for this family. You can see the love every time he wags his tail.
Thursday, May 23 2013 7:19 AM EDT2013-05-23 11:19:45 GMT
Firefighters are at the scene of an apartment building fire in Allentown where authorities say one person has been found dead, but his death is believed to be unrelated to the blaze.
Firefighters are at the scene of an apartment building fire in Allentown where authorities say one person has been found dead, but his death is believed to be unrelated to the blaze.
Thursday, May 23 2013 7:06 AM EDT2013-05-23 11:06:41 GMT
You ordered Grey Goose but got Popov? An undercover sting busts dozens of bars accused of serving you bottom shelf booze at top shelf prices, and one major chain was caught up in the bar boondoggle.
You ordered Grey Goose but got Popov? An undercover sting busts dozens of bars accused of serving you bottom shelf booze at top shelf prices, and one major chain was caught up in the bar boondoggle.
Thursday, May 23 2013 5:55 AM EDT2013-05-23 09:55:21 GMT
Today's weather? Cloudy, muggy, and eventually, stormy. If you get a strong to severe storm, it would probably be lat afternoon and evening. Highs in the upper 70s. Some of the storms will produce locally heavy rain and gusty winds.
This system is from the same cold front that caused the midwest tornadoes. It will also usher in cooler air for the holiday weekend.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 7:39 PM EDT2013-05-22 23:39:12 GMT
The volunteer effort in Oklahoma is underway. Groups from across the country have hit the road, delivering hot meals to anyone in need. One local organization is doing what they can to help the victims
The volunteer effort in Oklahoma is underway. Groups from across the country have hit the road, delivering hot meals to anyone in need. One local organization is doing what they can to help the victims
Wednesday, May 22 2013 5:04 PM EDT2013-05-22 21:04:25 GMT
Veteran narcotics officer Jeff Walker was part of some of Philadelphia's most celebrated drug raids including a huge marijuana bust that netted $1.5 million dollars in pot. Now Walker finds himself on
Veteran narcotics officer Jeff Walker was part of some of Philadelphia's most celebrated drug raids including a huge marijuana bust that netted $1.5 million dollars in pot. Now Walker finds himself on
Wednesday, May 22 2013 4:59 PM EDT2013-05-22 20:59:02 GMT
The Philadelphia parents who admitted to praying for their sick baby instead of getting him medical attention are charged with third-degree murder. Herbert and Catherine Schaible's seven-month-old son,
The Philadelphia parents who admitted to praying for their sick baby instead of getting him medical attention are charged with third-degree murder. Herbert and Catherine Schaible's seven-month-old son,
