In 2010, Jerry Douthett was living in Michigan with undiagnosed diabetes and a serious infection in his big toe, yet he continued to delay seeking medical help.

One night, after drinking, he fell into a deep sleep. When he woke the next morning, he was in pain and disoriented — and discovered blood everywhere. His dog, Kiko, had chewed through his infected toe while he slept.

At the hospital, doctors confirmed that the infection had become severe and could have led to life-threatening complications if left untreated. What made the situation especially unusual was that the dead, infected tissue had already been removed.

The incident was both shocking and pivotal. Jerry survived, turned his life around, and was left with a story where instinct, neglect, and survival intersected in a way few could ever imagine.