Heroic Dog Rescues Newborn Abandoned in Park Hours After Birth | Police in Search of the Mother

A dog is being hailed a hero after he saved an abandoned newborn baby from a park. According to People magazine, the dog, Hel, is being appreciated for rescuing a baby while he was on a walk with his owner, Terry Walsh, in a park in Birmingham on April 22 of this year. 

The events unfolded after the smart dog spotted a pile of blankets under a bush. Moments later, Walsh was shocked to hear the cries of a baby. Recalling the incident, the 64-year-old stated, "I think it was Hel's gentle nudging and the heat from my husky's body that woke the baby up." Walsh did not think twice after noticing the newborn. He informed the cops and the baby was taken to the hospital, according to Birmingham Live.

A statement released by the West Midlands Police claimed, "The baby boy was possibly only-hours old when he was found, clothed and wrapped in a blanket, by a dog walker on The Mounds off Shannon Road around 5.30 pm." The police added, "He is being cared for at hospital where he is thought to be full-term, healthy, and doing well." 

The authorities named the baby George, as he was found just a day before St. George's Day. With the baby safe and sound, Walsh is happy and proud of his dog.

"I thank the Lord that the baby was alive, that could've been a lot worse. The baby could've been dead. I said to my neighbors, 'Heaven sent Hel to rescue [a] newborn baby boy!'" said Walsh.

He added, "A bigger dog or another dog with a different temperament might well have just ripped and tugged at the blanket and the baby could have been treated like a rag doll and then you've also got the foxes and the rats and everything in there. How would they treat a baby?"

Meanwhile, the authorities are hoping to find the mother of the child as soon as possible. Detective Superintendent Anastasia Miller released a statement requesting the mother to come forward. “We need to find the baby’s mother as we are concerned she will need medical help after giving birth. This must have been a very difficult time for her and we are very concerned for her welfare," said Miller.

Detective Inspector Neil Hunt also released a statement. He stated, "I am reaching out to George's mother. You are my primary concern right now, and we really need to make sure you're okay. I don't know the circumstances around George's birth but, as a parent myself, I know exactly how overwhelming becoming a parent can be." He added, "We're ready to offer you any help and support you may need. George is safe and well, and your health and wellbeing is our priority - please be assured that you are not in any trouble."

Additionally, the authorities released CCTV footage of the woman suspected to be the child's mother. The woman was seen at the spot just half an hour before the baby was found by the dog.

The authorities have requested the public to reach out to them if they had any tips that might help the child reunite with his mother. Anyone with information can call 101 or anonymously call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 quoting log 3476 of 22/4.

References: 

https://people.com/human-interest/hero-dog-discovers-abandoned-baby-crying-in-park/

https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/what-star-praise-husky-dog-20461209

https://west-midlands.police.uk/news/search-mother-newborn-baby-continues

Cover Image Source: West Midlands Police