WE ALL know dogs are man's best friend, but this pup took that saying to a whole new level.
Dogs are trusting, affectionate, and above all loyal-- as one Doberman Pinscher proved earlier this month.
Niki the Doberman was waiting patiently for her owner, Loodewyk De Jager, to return after he withdrew his monthly salary from the bank in the town of Brakpan, South Africa.
But as he arrived, two thieves approached and pulled him out of his car, threatening him with guns.
His granddaughter, completely unaware of what was happening, pulled the gate open to allow Mr De Jager to drive in, but as she noticed the robbery she panicked and began pushing it closed again.
Before she could, however, Niki escaped.
Incredible footage from outside De Jager's home shows one of the robbers holding a gun to the 58-year-old at point-blank range, when Niki, and his other dog, Duiwel, rushed to his aid.
As the robber fired his gun, Niki jumped between him and Mr De Jager, pushing the thief back-- but getting shot in the process.
Videos of the incredible moment began circulating online, both in order to find the thieves and spread the word of the heroic dog-- however many videos have been slightly edited to avoid the exact moment Niki is shot.
ARMED ROBBERY : BESTER STR. MINNEBRON. BRAKPAN. COE. GP. 3 ARMED B/M PERPS ROBBED SENIOR CITIZEN WHO RETURNED HOME FROM BANK. 1 DOG SHOT BY PERPS. CASH TAKEN. pic.twitter.com/Z2ulVdkJcv
— REZA (@crimeairnetwork) September 1, 2020
According to The Mirror, the devoted pup needed 14 stitches after being shot in the back, but miraculously the bullet missed all her vital organs and the dog is taking some well-deserved rest and is recovering well.
“She saved my life," Mr De Jager told the outlet. "They would have shot me, they told me they were going to shoot me.
"Niki is doing well," he added. "She is strong and full of energy.
"We are very relieved that she only needed stitches and that there was no additional internal injuries. We are so thankful to God that we all came out if this alive."
