Rescue dog stabbed in the neck while protecting family in home attack

A rescue dog has been dubbed a true hero after he recently came to the aid of his owners in the face of an armed home intruder.

Pancho, adopted from Española Humane in New Mexico eight years ago, leapt into action to protect his family when a knife-wielding intruder broke into their home in Rio Arriba County earlier this month.

Incredibly, Pancho leapt into action to protect his family from the armed assailant, getting between the intruder and the rest of the house, leading to him being stabbed in the neck.

Despite the severe neck wound that narrowly missed his esophagus and trachea, and enduring multiple kicks that caused a slipped disc in his spine, Pancho still contained the intruder long enough for neighbors to intervene and restrain the attacker until authorities arrived.

After the attack, his family sprung into action to save him from his extensive injuries, applying pressure to his wounds and driving two hours to Albuquerque in search of emergency care. With no success, they returned to Española Humane, the very rescue organization from which they had adopted Pancho, desperate for help with the severely injured dog.

“Our director of medicine was arriving for the day and pulled in right behind them. He could tell that this family was just absolutely desperate for help and that their dog was dying. So we immediately got him inside,” Mattie Allen, director of communications at Española Humane, told Newsweek.

The rescue runs a free spay and neuter clinic, so had some resources to help the family, who had created a make-shift tourniquet for the dog’s neck.

As they got Pancho onto the prep table, his heart stopped, but thanks to the amazing work of the clinical staff and veterinarian, they were able to resuscitate him.

“He just was bleeding out and our vet was able to get in there, get the jugular, clamp it off and then we got him ready for surgery,” Allen recalled.

After surgery to clean Pancho’s neck wound, repair damaged tissue and install a drain, Pancho’s family remained by his side, tearfully promising him rib-eyes for the rest of his life.

The intruder had also repeatedly kicked Pancho, leaving him swollen and unable to walk at first. But amazingly, just days later, Pancho was standing, walking and eating, and now is recovering at home with his loving family by his side.

“Viva Pancho, the hero we all need in our lives,” Española Humane wrote in a Facebook post about the dog’s amazing actions.

For now, Pancho will keep going back to Española Humane to receive treatment every few days, ensuring his wounds are healing well.

“It reminds me time and time again that we just don’t compare to animals,” Allen said. “They’re so resilient and so forgiving. Pancho’s tail has never stopped wagging and he’s never not trusted all of us. It’s just unbelievable.”

Newsweek has reached out to the Santa Fe County Sherriff’s office via email for comment.

Facebook Users React

In response to Española Humane’s Facebook post praising Pancho’s bravery, users shared their reactions.

“Sending Pancho huge waves of love and healing light. What an amazing story,” commented Amanda.

“That boy needs a cape. What a Hero,” Robin posted.

Boomer added: “What a brave boy! A million trillion thank yous for being there in his family’s time of need.”

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