Canine awesomeness and the Heimlich
 

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17819432/

Dogs rule.

I've no doubt that the dog saved her life but I always hurt my eyes rolling them when it is suggested that the animal knew what it was doing.

I'm sure the dog's thought process was "Hark, I do believe my food source is choking. But alas, her girth prevents a proper reach around for the ADA recommended form of the Heimlich Maneuver. Perchance I'll modify said procedure to accommodate my canine morphology. Yes, yes, it seems to be working. Wonderful! Now how to prevent her from passing out?"

I agree partially with Alex. In my interpretation, the dog sees that something is wrong, and that the lady is pounding her own chest. I don't doubt that a retriever would be smart enough to think "I'm going to help her by doing what she's doing."

Had she died, it would have looked like the dog killed her, eh?

On the subject of Canine Awesomeness ...