RUSTBURG, Va. — A shelter dog in Campbell County has drawn attention after alerting people at an adoption event that a man was about to have a seizure. This unexpected act is now boosting her chances of finding a permanent home.
Sienna, a dog at the Campbell County Animal Shelter, was being walked by a volunteer when she approached a man she didn’t know. She sat beside him, placed her paw on his foot, and remained still. Minutes later, she began pawing at his leg. The man’s wife recognized the behavior as a sign of an impending seizure, prompting her to quickly help him to the car for care.
The man, who has a history of seizures, benefited from Sienna’s intervention. His wife later told shelter staff that their three dogs at home had never shown similar behavior. Shelter Director Barbe Shackleford praised Sienna’s instinct, saying the dog showed a rare, innate ability to sense medical distress.
Though the family cannot adopt Sienna due to already having three dogs, they shared the story to help her find a new home. Sienna, estimated to be 4 or 5 years old, was found as a stray in downtown Altavista and never claimed. She is house-trained and responds to commands like “sit” and “paw,” but her history and training remain unclear.
Shackleford noted that while some dogs undergo training to detect medical conditions, it is unusual for a stray to demonstrate such instincts naturally. The shelter is currently seeking donations to cover dental care for Sienna.
Since the incident, Sienna has received two adoption applications and offers to cover her adoption fee. Those interested in adopting her or other shelter animals can apply through Friends of Campbell County Animal Control.