Dog Rescued From Afghanistan Saves Clifton Heights Owner's Life

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.