India – A man in India is alive today thanks to the heroic actions of his German shepherd. As reported by India Today, a tiger ventured from the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve on February 26 and approached Shivam Badgaiya, who was outside his home with his dog, Bentho.

The big cat attempted to attack Badgaiya, but his faithful German shepherd began barking, prompting the tiger to shift its attention from the man to the dog.

The big cat picked the shepherd up and left the village area, with the dog in its mouth. The shepherd fought valiantly against the predator prompting the tiger to finally let him go, but the damage was done.

As reported by the Economic Times, Bentho stared down the tiger until he retreated…then he collapsed on the ground. Badgaiya rushed his mortally wounded dog to a veterinarian, begging for him to be saved, but the injuries were too severe and Bentho died within hours.

His devastated owner said:

“I owe my life to Bentho. I had heard that German Shepherds are loyal. Bentho gave up his life for me.”

Thanks for reading! We appreciate you.