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.
Sunday, May 19 2013 8:20 AM EDT2013-05-19 12:20:57 GMT
Finding a job without a college degree can be a difficult task, even if you're a war veteran. Now, they have the opportunity to turn their military training into college credits.
Finding a job without a college degree can be a difficult task, even if you're a war veteran. Now, they have the opportunity to turn their military training into college credits.
Sunday, May 19 2013 7:58 AM EDT2013-05-19 11:58:46 GMT
Once hailed as a hero after surviving a shotgun blast to his face in 2007, a former police officer is now charged with raping and sexually assaulting two women at gunpoint he met at a party.
Once hailed as a hero after surviving a shotgun blast to his face in 2007, a former police officer is now charged with raping and sexually assaulting two women at gunpoint he met at a party.
Sunday, May 19 2013 1:45 AM EDT2013-05-19 05:45:51 GMT
A Powerball jackpot-winning ticket worth an estimated $590.5 million was sold in Florida, but there were also million-dollar winners sold in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, according to the lottery.
A Powerball jackpot-winning ticket worth an estimated $590.5 million was sold in Florida, but there were also million-dollar winners sold in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, according to the lottery's website.
Saturday, May 18 2013 9:28 PM EDT2013-05-19 01:28:06 GMT
Rain moved in Saturday afternoon and the chance for it will stick around through the seven day forecast.
It becomes very unsettled across our area with clounds and showers again Sunday. The best chance for rain is in the morning and afternoon thunderstorms are possible towards our south.
Sunday is cool but we do warm up well into the 80s by Tuesday. With the warm weather comes a better chance for thunderstorms.
Friday, May 17 2013 11:44 PM EDT2013-05-18 03:44:01 GMT
A couple of Good Samaritans helped rescue a 3-year-old boy's lifeless body from an Allentown creek. Their quick thinking and help from police helped bring the boy back to life.
A couple of Good Samaritans helped rescue a 3-year-old boy's lifeless body from an Allentown creek. Their quick thinking and help from police helped bring the boy back to life.
Friday, May 17 2013 7:38 PM EDT2013-05-17 23:38:13 GMT
A woman who lived with a Delaware pediatrician accused of waterboarding her 11-year-old daughter has agreed to plead guilty to child endangerment charges and testify against him.
A woman who lived with a Delaware pediatrician accused of waterboarding her 11-year-old daughter has agreed to plead guilty to child endangerment charges and testify against him.
