Golden Retriever is the star of a brass band: this is vital for his mistress

Iowa (USA) - Student Gabi Riessen is not (yet) suffering from a broken heart, but she still has problems with her "pump". Her heart rate fluctuates more than that of her fellow students, which makes everyday university life difficult. Luckily there's Winnie!

Gabi Riessen and her golden retriever Winnie go through life together - and to university.
Gabi Riessen and her golden retriever Winnie go through life together - and to university.  © Screenshot/Facebook/University of Northern Iowa

The Golden Retriever has been at the young American's side for around two years. Gabi studies at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI), where she even plays in a marching band.

So far, so normal - at least for students with a healthy heart. Because Gabi's often beats too fast, the student faints without warning. As a companion dog, Goldie Winnie is there to sound the alarm in an emergency.

Thanks to years of training, the four-legged friend has developed fine sensors to be able to accurately assess when the student is in a bad way. So when her mistress is on the football pitch of the Northern Iowa Panthers university team in front of thousands of fans, the golden retriever can save her from losing her senses in time.

"Winnie has made it so I can be like a normal person again," Gabi said in a UNI report.

Goldie Winnie is always at Gabi's side, even on the football pitch.
ContentImage.Description   © Screenshot/Instagram/uni_pmb

Gabi Riessen and her golden retriever Winnie are the secret stars of the university

As a proud member of the University of Northern Iowa, Winnie even wears a bodice made especially for him.
As a proud member of the University of Northern Iowa, Winnie even wears a bodice made especially for him.  © Screenshot/Facebook/University of Northern Iowa

Before Gabi started studying in Northern Iowa, she had a difficult time at a private school. She was excluded because of her dog and was not allowed to join the drama group or the school band.

The student has since become a national star - mainly thanks to Winnie - and the media reported on the duo, filming a joint performance with the UNI brass band. "I'm part of the marching band, so Winnie is too," says Gabi.

Band leader Justin Mertz told KCRG News that anyone can achieve anything, with or without a disability. No one is excluded, especially music is "for everyone", said Mertz.

Gabi is grateful for the support: "I cried after the first few days because I've never felt so welcome."