Vigilant German shepherd dog saves eagle from potential death

Sometimes, a dog isn't just a man's best friend. Sometimes, a dog helps other creatures, as well.

On Jan.17, a  German shepherd by the name of Tracy found an eagle trapped in a manure pit on a farm in Lancaster County, Pa.

Tracy kept going to the farmer several times to tell about the encounter. Finally, the farmer followed and found the eagle. The eagle was drenched, cold, dehydrated and would later test positive for lead poisoning. 

Help was called, and the Pennsylvania Game Commission arrived on the scene after 45 minutes. The Game Commission called Raven Ridge Wildlife Center, located in Washington Borough, Pa.

From there, the wildlife center started a warm bath to treat the eagle's hypothermia and rescuers realized a lead poisoning test needed to be administered right away.

An anonymous company donated the $4,100 needed for the lead poisoning test. That ended up saving the eagle's life.

The eagle ended up receiving chelation therapy, which is supposed to heal the lead poisoning. Then for the next few weeks, the eagle was slowly nursed back to health by Tracie Young, the founder and rehabilitator of Raven Ridge Wildlife Center. 

On Feb. 6, the eagle and Young got to meet Tracy the dog.

On that same day, with the help of two Game Commission wardens, the eagle was released into the wild in the same location where the bird was originally found. 

"This is a pretty unique story," Young said. "Over the years, we've had other instances of animals saving lives, but none quite like this."