Tyson the Hero Dog: A Rhode Island Rescue Story

Rhode Island - ​When Sandra Sanford received a small dog as a gift from her nephew shortly after losing her mother, she had no idea that he would go on to change not just her life, but the lives of many others across Rhode Island.
The dog's name is Tyson—and he's something of a local legend.
A Dog Who Saved His Owner First
Sandra's road to finding Tyson was a difficult one. Following her mother's passing, she was struggling with depression, anxiety, and venous insufficiency disease—a condition causing poor circulation in her legs. To make matters worse, she was viciously attacked by a pit bull, leaving her with lasting scars. It was Tyson who gave her a reason to get out of bed each morning.
"He basically saved my life," says Sandra. "He gave me a reason to get up every day."
From Rescued to Rescuer
But Tyson's story didn't stop there. In 2021, Sandra heard that a dog belonging to the family of prominent Rhode Island attorney Ronald Resmini had gone missing in Barrington. Without hesitation, she and Tyson headed to Police Cove, where the dog had last been spotted.
"Within a minute, he picked up her scent," Sandra recalls. Armed with a spare slip lead, the pair tracked the missing dog through thick brush and brought her home safely.
Attorney Resmini was so moved by Tyson's efforts that he invited Sandra to his office to present the dog with an award and a cash reward—money that went directly toward treating Tyson's Lyme disease, which he contracted during his volunteer efforts.
It was just the beginning of Tyson's heroic career. He has since helped locate missing dogs in Riverside and Rehoboth, and has served as a comfort dog for Brown University students in the wake of a campus tragedy. His gentle presence earned him four prestigious awards—for bravery, skill, comfort, and compassion—from the cities of East Providence and Providence, as well as the state of Rhode Island.
Tyson has also been featured in numerous local publications, including the Rhode Island Wave, the Barrington Sound, and Shop in Rhode Island. Most recently, he appeared on page 17 of the first-edition book, The Dogs of Bristol, Rhode Island.
"He has four awards," says Sandra proudly. "I display them on the hutch in my kitchen."
A Well-Earned Retirement
At an older age now, Tyson has been officially retired from active search-and-rescue work following a diagnosis of a collapsing trachea. But Sandra has no plans to slow down his community involvement entirely.
"I don't mind him being a comfort dog and going to see people who could use some love and compassion," she says. "He's going to spend the rest of his life with nothing but love."
A Children's Book in the Works
Sandra's next chapter is one she's long dreamed of: becoming a published author. A children's book titled Tyson Hero Dog is set for release in late October—timed to coincide with Tyson's birthday on October 28th.
The book is being published with the help of a longtime friend and former employer who owns a publishing company. In a gesture of generosity that mirrors Sandra's own giving spirit, he has agreed to publish the book at no cost—a kindness that inspired Sandra to donate 10% of the proceeds to local animal shelters and rescues across Rhode Island.
The book will include the true story behind Tyson's heroics, along with photographs of Tyson alongside notable Rhode Island figures, including Attorney Resmini and Chief Justice Monabano, whose swearing-in ceremony Tyson attended.
Sandra also hopes to have the book stocked at the Barrington Bookstore, where she plans to hold signings—complete with Tyson's paw print autograph.
A second book, tentatively titled Tyson's Great Adventures, is already in the works, with plans to donate a portion of those proceeds to local veterans.
Tyson Hero Dog will be available for purchase on Amazon. For updates on the book release and signing events, keep an eye on the Rhode Island Wave.