Tiki the dog helps man survive gunshot to the head | Forensic Files

if it wasn't for Chris Smith's terrier beagle mix named Tiki he might have died Chris was shot in the head on
Thanksgiving in 2021 and survived despite laying on the kitchen floor for 12 hours in a pool of blood Chris says
an EMT who arrived on scene said Tiki may have cuddled up against him to keep his body warm all night I think Tiki
protected Chris I think she probably laid right next to him the first time Chris regained Consciousness was in
early January 2022 a about 2 months after the shooting Chris had no memory of that night at all nor the woman he
was having a first date with Leslie Reeves I said who' heck Leslie I don't know Leslie you had no idea no nothing
nothing nothing he had been shot by Leslie's jealous ex-boyfriend for Chris's mother the fact that her son is
still alive is a miracle I thank my blessings daily that he's here with us after intense Physical Therapy he's made
incredible strides he's now much stronger but Chris is aware that his life is very different from what it once
was tough doesn't even describe it doesn't can describe it and then my left leg is uh partially paralyzed from my
hip to my knee then from my knee to my toes completely paralyzed Chris also lives with part of the hollow point
bullet in his brain doctors say it's in a spot that makes it too dangerous to remove so that's where you got shot yep
right here there's a yep you still feel it on my skull right there but he refuses to give up
Mark reardan says his friend is still the same person he's always been I think at the core he's still the same guy that
I knew he's still the smartass he's still the guy that's going to talk about how good he is and how good he was and
how much he could lift weights Chris works out at the gym most mornings trying to regain muscle and the
hopes that he will one day be able to walk without assistance he's even back to being the lead singer in his rock and
roll band even though Chris no longer lives with Tiki he still visits his loyal dog who was there through his long
recovery I'm many people get a second chance in life in with that second chance in life he met Michelle albrech
nearly two years after Chris survived the attack they had their first date he told 48 Hours her Cobalt deep blue eyes
had me at hello she's an angel loving me and accepting me the way that I am he proposed to her on stage I just ask if
she married me guys what's the most important lesson out of all of this don't ever give up on
anything ever no matter how bad things are don't ever give up

An EMT told Chris Smith's family that his dog Tiki likely saved his life by providing warmth in the hours after he was shot. Smith got a second chance at life — and nearly two years later, another chance at love.

Crime. Social justice. Impact. "48 Hours" investigates the most intriguing crime and justice cases that touch on all areas of the human experience including greed and passion. "48 Hours," which premiered in 1988, has developed a rich history of original reporting and impact journalism that has helped exonerate wrongly convicted people, caused cold cases to be reopened and solved, and along the way changed lives.

For video licensing inquiries, contact: licensing@veritone.com

Brief Summary

Chris Smith survives a shooting, supported by his dog Tiki, and finds love again with Michelle Albrecht.

Key points

Chris's Miraculous Survival. Chris Smith was shot in the head but survived thanks to his dog Tiki.
A New Beginning. After his recovery, Chris found love again with Michelle Albrecht.

Episode highlights

A New BeginningAfter his recovery, Chris found love again with Michelle Albrecht.“She had me at hello, she's an angel.”2:20Nov 6, 2024

Episode quotes

I think Tiki protected Chris.

Chris believes his dog kept him warm during his ordeal.

0:21WatchNov 6, 2024

More from 48 Hours

Solve the Crime

Read a real case one clue at a time, then see how your call held up against the investigators.