Dog 'saved baby's life'

Shona's mother said she and Max had a special relationship

The parents of a baby girl have praised their pet dog for alerting them when she stopped breathing.

The 13-year-old Alsatian, Max, began jumping around in the back of the car when 18-month-old Shona began convulsing on Tuesday, her parents said.

Marion Derrane, 39, and Mick McDonald, 44, from Kemp Town in Brighton, turned round to discover Shona was struggling to breathe.

They were able to flag down a passing ambulance, in which paramedic Velia Evans was able to administer oxygen and lower Shona's dangerously high temperature.

There is no doubt that Max has saved our little girl's life Mother Marion Derrane

She was taken to Brighton's Royal Alexandra children's hospital, from where she was later discharged.

Ms Derrane, a housewife, said: "There is no doubt that Max has saved our little girl's life.

"It is totally out-of-character for him to jump about like that.

"He knew something was wrong. He's a hero."

'Incredible relationship'

Ms Derrane said she believed it was her daughter's "incredible relationship" with Max which had prompted him to react as they drove through Peacehaven.

She said: "I know Max knew something was wrong because he had been for a walk and was very tired and lying down in the back of the car.

"We had no idea what was going on because the radio was blaring.

"Shona may not have been here today if it was not for Max and Velia."

Doctors said the baby's convulsions started because her temperature had risen to dangerous levels.