A little dog who died rescuing a girl from a vicious guard dog many times his size has been commemorated in Serbia for his amazing heroism.
Leo, a tiny dachshund who would typically cower at the sight of a dog as big as the bull mastiff that attacked a 10-year-old on his street last year, instead ran bravely to her aid -- saving the child’s life but sacrificing his own in the act.
"I screamed and Leo rushed out, barked, and ran around biting him on the leg," said the young victim, who has scars from the mastiff’s unprovoked attack. "When the dog let go of me, he looked around and then stormed at Leo."
Lionhearted Leo was severely wounded during the incident and had to be euthanized days later, but the David and Goliath canine confrontation has gained him countless admirers since his tragic death.
Now, a bronze statue of the fearless little dog has been erected beside a playground in the center of the northern Serbian town, and both children and adults are making the pilgrimage there to pay homage.
"I am so glad Leo has a monument,” said the child who the courageous dachshund defended with his life. “He turned out to be a real hero.”
