Heroic dog saves family from Menomonee Falls flooding

MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis. (CBS 58) -- On Brentwood Drive in Menomonee Falls – you’ll find a loyal companion, inspecting the damage flood waters have left behind. At 120 pounds and full of energy, this companion is more than just a curious dog. 

His name is Murphy and he’s Pamela Wendtland’s hero. 

“He’s just, he’s just a genuine good animal,” said Wendtland. 

On Saturday night, Aug. 9, Wendtland was sleeping inside her home along with her one-year-old granddaughter, when Murphy woke her up. 

“I don’t think anybody is ever truly ready for a catastrophe,” said Wendtland. “He saved my life. He finally was poking me at my arm about quarter to two, poking, poking, poking, turning, racing back and forth. I thought something was wrong with my granddaughter, Harper.”

With Murphy's guidance, Wendtland was alerted to her front door. When she looked outside – more than two feet of flood waters covered her entire yard. 

“I was basically engulfed with water and he knew it,” said Wendtland.

Wendtland waited for help, but one hour later, as the water levels continued to rise, she sprung into action.

“The water moved back from my daughter's car which had been sunk under the water. And I took the baby and him and we ran out,” said Wendtland.

On the second try, the car started and the family was able to leave the property.

“I had to get out. I had no options. There was no one to get me out. I had to do it myself,” said Wendtland.

A quick decision – a life saving decision, Pamela says, made possible because of one brave boy. 

“Murphy saved us and he will always be a hero to me and especially to Harper too,” said Wendtland.

Despite having a flood policy, Wendtland says it could cost upwards of $70,000 to repair her home. She says she’s just thankful, her, Murphy, and her granddaughter made it out alive.

A link to Wendtland’s GoFundMe to help her with repairs can be found here.