How a hero border collie named Archie saved a pregnant mum and her two-year-old son from a freak accident
A pregnant mother has suffered serious injuries after a tree branch fell directly on top of her and nearly killed her son, but it could have been even worse if it wasn't for their hero pooch.
Sally Burls was holidaying in New South Wales with her husband, Dylan, and their son, Harry, when a large '800kg' tree limb fell onto her on Easter Monday.
Ms Burls was immediately airlifted to Melbourne for emergency medical treatment.
Family friend Jade Lieschke said the branch could easily have killed Ms Burls and her two-year-old son as well.
However, the Burls' quick-thinking border collie, Archie, risked its own life to protect him.
'In an incredible split-second instinct, Archie pushed Harry out of the way – saving his life,' Ms Lieschke wrote in a GoFundMe.
Harry sustained just minor injuries as a result.
Archie was hurt in the accident, and vets have treated him for a broken hip and leg.
The family now faces months of recovery with significant medical and veterinary expenses, Ms Lieschke said.
She said two-year-old Harry has been 'slowly getting his bounce back' in the days since the accident.
Sally has been undergoing surgery on Thursday it is understood, and 'furry hero' Archie remains in the care of veterinary staff.
'Sally has been an absolute trooper – the medical staff have been amazing, and we're so grateful for everything they're doing,' Ms Lieschke wrote.
'We're taking each day as it comes and feeling truly overwhelmed by the kindness, generosity, and love from everyone,' Ms Lieschke said.
Concerned members of the wider community as well as family and friends have since raised more than $60,000 for the family.
'They're the kind of people who'd drop everything to help someone else and never ask for anything in return,' Ms Lieschke wrote of the Burls.
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