First Published September 17, 2024
Indiana, the Walsh family’s Australian Shepherd mix. (Photo courtesy of the Walsh family)
When Indiana sensed something was terribly wrong with her owner, the 6-month-old Australian Shepherd mix did something that may have saved his life – she called for help in the only way she knew how.
On a quiet Friday morning in late February 2020, Ken and Nicole Walsh were enjoying their usual coffee routine on the couch of their East Brunswick, New Jersey home. Indiana, their beloved puppy, sat contentedly at Ken’s feet, already showing the deep attachment to him that had become her signature trait.
As Nicole prepared to leave for work, running late from their extended morning chat, she heard something that stopped her in her tracks. Indiana, typically a happy and friendly dog, began growling and whimpering in a way Nicole had never heard before.
Turning back toward the living room, Nicole initially thought Ken was playfully making faces at their dog. But the reality was far more serious – Ken was having a seizure, his jaw clenched, eyes fluttering, completely unresponsive to his surroundings.
Nicole immediately called 911. Ken Walsh, just 31 years old and a lifelong runner in excellent health, had suffered sudden cardiac arrest and stopped breathing.
As Nicole waited for emergency responders, Indiana retreated to a corner and remained unusually quiet, as if understanding the gravity of the situation unfolding around her.
Cardiac arrest survivor Ken Walsh (left) with his wife, Nicole, and dog, Indiana. (Photo courtesy of the Walsh family)
A Race Against Time
When EMTs arrived, Ken’s condition was critical – his skin had begun turning blue from lack of oxygen. The first responders worked quickly, performing CPR before using an automated external defibrillator (AED) to restore his heartbeat. The device succeeded in bringing Ken back.
During the ambulance ride to the hospital, paramedics questioned Nicole about Ken’s health and lifestyle. Their disbelief was understandable when she explained that not only was Ken healthy, but he was also an experienced runner who had never used drugs.
Ken’s athletic background was impressive. In high school and college, he had run cross country and track, serving as captain of his college team. In the five years following graduation, he completed six marathons before scaling back his competitive training while maintaining his love for running with friends.
The Long Road Back
Doctors placed Ken in a medically induced coma for three days to allow his brain and body to recover from the trauma. During this time, Nicole stayed with her parents, bringing Indiana along. The dog, who normally slept in a crate in Ken and Nicole’s bedroom, was allowed on the bed – a “temporary” arrangement that Nicole promised would help them both through the difficult time.
When Ken emerged from the coma, the extent of his recovery became clear. While initially confused, he showed no cognitive deficits over the following days. The only lasting effect was weakness in his left arm and hand, which improved with physical therapy.
Despite extensive testing, doctors could not determine what caused Ken’s cardiac arrest. To prevent future episodes, they implanted a cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) – a device that monitors heart rhythm and can deliver a life-saving shock if dangerous irregularities are detected.
Rebuilding Through Running
Ken’s recovery coincided with the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, which complicated his rehabilitation plans. Unable to attend formal cardiac rehabilitation programs, he had to chart his own course back to fitness.
The journey began with simple walks that left him exhausted and fearful. Even the thought of walking Indiana worried him – what if she pulled or ran unexpectedly? The fear of another cardiac episode was ever-present.
“Sometimes I would cry while walking,” Ken recalled.
Nicole shared these fears, staying close to Ken during the initial months and placing her trust in the ICD device that now monitored his heart.
Two months after leaving the hospital, Ken’s doctor cleared him for light running with specific guidelines: bring a friend and phone, start slowly, and avoid pushing too hard.
His running companions gladly adjusted their pace to accommodate his cautious return to the sport he loved. Gradually, Ken built up his distance and speed, finding that running served as both mental therapy and a source of normalcy during the uncertain pandemic period.
A Milestone Anniversary
On February 28, 2021 – exactly one year after his cardiac arrest – Ken marked the anniversary by completing a solo half-marathon, running loops through his neighborhood until he reached 13.1 miles.
“Running that half-marathon felt liberating,” he said. “I felt like running was finally changing from fear to fun.”
This achievement inspired Ken to join the American Heart Association’s charity team for the 2022 New York City Marathon. During the race, his AHA jersey caught the attention of a fellow survivor who had experienced a stroke 18 months earlier and thanked Ken for his advocacy work.
Life Today
As Ken approaches the fourth anniversary of his cardiac arrest (as of this publication date), he remains free of additional heart problems. He maintains regular contact with his cardiologist, downloading data from his heart device every three months and attending biannual checkups.
His daily exercise routine now includes both running and walks with Indiana, whose enthusiasm for fitness has also inspired Nicole to become more active.
As for Indiana’s sleeping arrangements, the “temporary” move to the bed became permanent.
“She’s earned her spot on the bed,” Ken said, acknowledging the dog whose unusual behavior that February morning may have been the first sign that something was seriously wrong – and whose alert potentially helped save his life.
The Walsh family’s story highlights the importance of recognizing cardiac arrest symptoms and the life-saving potential of quick emergency response and AED devices.
Author: Donna Ryan resides and work in Tucson, AZ.
