Service Dog Jumps in Front of Bus Headed at Owner

Audrey Stone was walking north on North Main Street, led by her service dog Figo, said Brewster Police Chief John Delgardo.

At the intersection of North Main and Michael Neuner Drive, they were both struck by a Brewster school district transportation van.

“Figo, who led Ms. Stone across the street, attempted to protect her by jumping in front of her and into the oncoming van,” Delgardo said.

Stone was transported by ambulance to Danbury Hospital, where she is being treated for multiple injuries including a fractured ankle.

Figo was taken by the Brewster Fire Department to the Middle Branch Veterinary Center, where he was treated by Dr. Lou Ann Pfeifer and underwent surgery for lacerations and a fractured right leg. He is expected to wear a splint for 4-6 weeks.

The school bus was transporting two students to St. Lawrence School; neither was injured.

The bus operator, who was not injured, was charged with failure to yield the right of way to a pedestrian in the crosswalk and is due in court July 27.

The incident also sparked an interesting conversation on Kempter’s Fire Wire and on Guiding Eyes for the Blind about emergency situations involving service dogs and their handlers.

PHOTOS: courtesy Village of Brewster