Brave Dog Gives His Life To Shield Baby Trapped In Fire

"He stayed with her the whole time."

The loyalty of a faithful dog is rarely tested beyond the daily companionship they so sweetly offer to the people who love them. But the recent heroism of one courageous pup proves yet again their love runs far deeper still.

He literally laid down his life to save a little girl who mattered more to him than anything else.

It all began earlier this week, when a fire broke out in the Baltimore, Maryland, home shared by Erika Poremski, her 8-month-old daughter Viviana and their dog, Polo.

Erika had just stepped out to her car moments before the blaze began. She then raced back inside to rescue Vivian on the 2nd floor, but was held at bay by the fast-moving flames.

"I just heard her crying and i couldn't get to her," Poremski, who suffered burns in the process, told WBAL. "I tried really hard, everyone in the neighborhood tried. They were kicking the doors in and kicking the windows out. I couldn't (get her out). Nobody could."

Fortunately, the trapped child still had a protector - Polo.

Baltimore City Fire Department

First responders from the Baltimore City Fire Department were quick to arrive, after which they learned of Vivian and rushed in to save her. That's when they found her, injured but alive.

Alongside her was Polo. He had laid on top of her to shield her from the flames with his own body.

"She only had burns on her side because of it," Poremski told the news station. "He stayed with her the whole time in the bedroom and wouldn't even come downstairs to get out the door."

Via WBAL

Sadly, in the end, Polo could not be saved. Thanks to his incredible commitment to protecting Vivian, however, her life was spared.

Indeed, he died a hero - joining the hallowed ranks of other pets who've saved human lives.

GoFundMe

Young Vivian is in the hospital in serious condition, having suffered burns to 19 percent of her body. A GoFundMe page has been launched to support her care, and to help the Poremski family get back on their feet.

Click here to make a donation.