Gert Mombourquette says the dogs next door could sense she needed help. (CBC)Gert Mombourquette is grateful for her canine neighbours' barking and whining.

The Bedford woman, 76, was on her backyard deck late Saturday night when she choked on a chocolate square.

Fortunately, her next door neighbour, Sgt. Kevin Murphy of the Halifax Regional Police, had returned home from work to walk his dogs, Jenny and Mandy. He was getting ready to head back to work when he heard Jenny making unusual barking and whining noises.

"Something she did just made me think that there was something out of the norm going on back there," Murphy said.

He found Mombourquette holding herself up on a deck chair. He performed the Heimlich manoeuvre and called in the paramedics.

Jenny leaped over to Gert Mombourquette as soon as owner, Sgt. Kevin Murphy opened the door. (CBC) Mombourquette said Murphy got the message just in time — thanks to Jenny, in particular. She couldn't talk and was getting weak.

"He opened the door and Jenny — I don't think hit the grass. She was on my doorstep. She was going around in circles and licking my legs. She knew I was in trouble. They sense it, they really do," Mombourquette said.

Mombourquette ended up with a sore throat and muscles, but didn't have to go to the hospital.

Mombourquette said she'll stop eating her chocolate squares — a treat she often makes for Murphy to share with officers on his shift.

As for Jenny, Mombourquette said her canine friend will get smaller treats. She wants the dog to stay fit and trim in case she has another medical emergency.