“A Railway Worker’s Heroic Rescue of a Runaway Puppy Goes Viral”
A heartwarming TikTok video featuring a railway worker’s incredible act of heroism has captured the hearts of millions, amassing 6.5 million views and counting.
It all began when commuters at the train station were taken aback by the presence of a blue Staffordshire Terrier puppy, sparking suspicions of abandonment. However, it turned out that the pup was a runaway, having escaped from her family’s home when their garage door was accidentally left open.
On the morning of October 17th at 7 a.m., 56-year-old Paul Hawthorn was diligently working in the booking hall of Leagrave Station in England. Suddenly, he heard a commotion emanating from the platform of an incoming train. Investigating further, he discovered a frantic puppy, desperately seeking someone to care for her. The pup had briefly been detained by a concerned commuter but managed to break free as the woman departed to catch her own train.
As Hawthorn rushed to the platform, he realized that the overwhelmed pup was once again in peril, having leaped onto the tracks. Panic set in, but his training kicked in, and he swiftly contacted the signalman to slow down any oncoming trains.
Though he wasn’t permitted on the tracks, Hawthorn noticed a kind soul at the coffee kiosk offering croissants to the stranded dog, who couldn’t jump back onto the platform. Acting swiftly, he grabbed a croissant and pulled the pup to safety just in time.
Hawthorn shared, “I couldn’t simply let go or it would have gotten away again, so instead I held on until two kind strangers came along and helped me up.”
The TikTok video by ‘getinthebarth’ doesn’t depict the dramatic rescue but transitions to a heartwarming scene with Hawthorn tenderly cradling the grateful pup. The selfless act shows Hawthorn sitting on the platform with the pup nestled in his lap, showering him with occasional ‘thank you’ licks.
To everyone’s relief, Hawthorn discovered that the pup wasn’t another abandoned animal but someone’s beloved pet. The family had posted online, desperately seeking help to find her.
Reflecting on the incident, Hawthorn said, “It was quite traumatizing. I don’t own a dog, but we help people out by dog-sitting. When I saw the dog about to get hit by a train, all sorts of thoughts were running through my mind—I just felt awful for the animal. It worked out in the end though.”
“In the mess room, it was biting and tugging at my uniform. It was a lovely dog,” he added.
“Leagrave,” the rail company operating trains at Leagrave, praised Hawthorn’s heroism, stating, “Paul’s heroism saved this dog’s life. The Thameslink railway tracks are a dangerous place, but Paul’s quick thinking certainly made all the difference.”