LAKE OSWEGO, Ore. - In a move worthy of a Lassie episode, Annie the dachshund got help for her owner early Tuesday after the woman fell and couldn't get up, authorities said.

It all started after Pamela Fischer, who has difficulty walking, tripped over a high curb, fell into a Lake Oswego yard and hit her head. Her dachshund started barking and continued for an hour.

A neighbor, unaware of the problem, called police about 1 a.m. to report the dog's annoying conduct. When Sgt. John Brent arrived, the dog was in the middle of the street - still barking - and would not let the police car pass.

Brent spent a good deal of time trying in vain to capture the dog and quiet it until he finally heard a faint call for help, leading him to discover Fischer in a nearby yard unable to get back to her feet.

After she was checked out by medical officials, police report that Fischer is doing just fine - thanks to Annie, that is.