Hero dog praised for saving woman, 60, from home intruder

A hero dog is being praised after it attacked a man who allegedly tried to strangle a woman in her home in Sydney’s northwest. According to the NSW Police, the 60-year-old Parramatta woman was woken by a home intruder about 4am on Sunday.

It’s alleged the man assaulted the woman and attempted to strangle her before her dog ran into the room and attacked the man. The woman ran and hid in her bathroom and the man fled the scene.

According to the NSW Police, officers arrested a 34-year-old man in a home on Victoria Road, Parramatta, about 10pm on Sunday night. The man, who is known to the woman, was taken to Parramatta Police Station where he was charged with break, enter and assault and intent to murder. He was refused bail and will appear at Parramatta Local Court on Monday.

Many people have since taken to social media to praise the dog’s efforts, with Twitter user @ladywhitepeace1, writing: “Thank God for dogs I have two adorable little ones.”

Meanwhile, @Mohumpcamelhard said: “A dogs loyalty.” And @sylviamassara added: “For those who don’t like or respect animals, think again. They’re so much better than humans. Always be kind to animals. They love unconditionally and will do anything to protect you.”

It’s no secret Aussies love their furry friends and as it turns out owning one can be good for your health as well. A previous study found having a dog in your life not only benefits your soul, but can also improve your heart health.

The study, conducted by the Mayo Clinic, uncovered a link between dog ownership and good heart health, after examining a mixed group of dog owners and those without pets, all with no previous history of heart disease.

The researchers looked at a group of 1,769 subjects who were scored based on ideal health behaviours and factors outlined by the American Heart Association including body mass index, diet, physical activity, smoking status, blood pressure, blood glucose and total cholesterol. A researcher with the International Clinical Research Centre, Dr Andrea Maugeri said those who owned dogs specifically were more likely to live healthier lives.

“In general, people who owned any pet were more likely to report more physical activity, better diet and blood sugar at ideal level,” she said at the time. “The greatest benefits from having a pet were for those who owned a dog, independent of their age, sex and education level.”