Pit Bull Senses Owner's Heart Attack Just In Time

Just like most rescue dogs, Sweet Dee is as loyal and loving as they come - and last month she got a chance to prove it when she saved her dad after he had a sudden heart attack.

Elliott Nerland and his wife, Erin Daly, of Boston, adopted the 6-year-old pit bull mix from the MSPCA five years ago, but they never imagined that their rescue dog would rescue them right back, local outlet WBZ-TV reports.

In the early hours of May 2, 32-year-old Nerland collapsed on the couch - he had suffered a massive heart attack while his wife slept in another room. Luckily Sweet Dee rushed to her dad's side and, sensing he needed help, ran to wake Erin, according to a post by the MSPCA.

"She jumped up on the bed, started nudging at my wife who was sleeping, and kind of started to bark with pretty much the intent to wake her up," Nerland told WBZ-TV.

Because of Sweet Dee's lifesaving actions, Erin was able to administer CPR and call 911 in time to save her husband. Today, Nerland owes his life to Sweet Dee.

"If anything," he told the MSPCA, "this whole situation has brought us that much closer. I feel like the luckiest guy in the world."