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Hero Bowza set for ‘round of appaws’ in Ipswich Town debut
Bowza looks set to lead Ipswich Town out at Portman Road. Picture: VICTORIA PERTUSA - Credit: Bowsa looks set to lead Ipswich Town out at Portman Road. Picture: VICTORIA PERTUSA
He was hailed the ‘hero of Hadleigh’ for his lifesaving actions keeping an elderly woman warm while she waited for an ambulance.
And now Bowza the dog could have his community hero status made official by Ipswich Town FC.
Club bosses have invited him to lead the team out at one of their games in the New Year – in what could be a first for the club.
Proud owner Don Cox said he and Bowza were honoured to be asked to take part.
Bowza's owner Don Cox made him lay down next to the woman to keep her warm. Picture: VICTORIA PERTUSA - Credit: Bowsa's owner Don Cox made him lay down next to the woman to keep her warm. Picture: VICTORIA PERTUSA
In November this year 71-year-old Mr Cox was out walking Bowza – who he describes as “a big softie and real poser who loves the attention” – when they came across a seriously injured woman in Meadows Way.
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The 79-year-old had collapsed in the street, banging her head and scraping her hand in the process – leaving her lying on the floor, incapable of moving, for two and a half hours.
“She was cold and shivering and we were worried she was going to get hyperthermia – that’s when I thought that Bowza might be able to keep her warm,” said Mr Cox.
Bowza used his body heat to keep the injured elderly woman warm for three and a half hours. Picture: VICTORIA PERTUSA - Credit: Bowsa used his body heat to keep the injured elderly woman warm for three and a half hours. Picture: VICTORIA PERTUSA
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It was then that the six-year-old Labrador, Rottweiler and Husky cross laid down next to her.
“It was almost like Bowza knew what was going on, he had his head and paws all over her,” his owner added.
It was a distressing situation, Mr Cox said.
Bowza could make a special appearance at Portman Road for his lifesaving efforts. Picture: VICTORIA PERTUSA - Credit: Bowsa could make a special appearance at Portman Road for his lifesaving efforts. Picture: VICTORIA PERTUSA
“Her legs were going numb. That body heat was really important,” he added.
“The paramedics said that if Bowza hadn’t kept her warm, her injuries could have been a lot worse.”
The woman was taken to hospital where she had surgery for her injuries and is now fully recovered.
Bowza has received lots of attention and is known as the 'hero of Hadleigh'. Picture: VICTORIA PERTUSA - Credit: Bowsa has received lots of attention and is known as the 'hero of Hadleigh'. Picture: VICTORIA PERTUSA
MORE: Injured woman, 79, kept warm by ‘hero dog’ while waiting hours for ambulance
At the time, a spokesman for the East of England Ambulance Service apologised for any distress caused, adding that “it was an extremely busy day for the trust”.
Now a month on from the pair’s heroic actions, Mr Cox said: “When I got the call about Bowza potentially becoming a community hero at Ipswich Town I couldn’t believe it. It is amazing.”
Bowza helped save an elderly woman who had fallen in Hadeligh. Picture: VICTORIA PERTUSA - Credit: Bowsa helped save an elderly woman who had fallen in Hadeligh. Picture: VICTORIA PERTUSA
“The other day I took him into a charity shop and it was like I was walking next to a sports star – everyone knew Bowza and they were all giving him loads of attention and treats.
“I’m sure he would be really calm in front of all the crowds at Portman Road – he will love the attention.”
No date has been confirmed yet, but is expected to be announced soon.
