A former Battersea rescue dog has saved his owner's life, just three months after he was brought home to Barnehurst.

Jane and Iain Rowland fell in love with playful Patterdale Dexter at the Brands Hatch kennels, where he had been living for a month.

Their top terrier snapped into action during a regular morning run with Mr Rowland – who was stung by a bee and went into anaphylactic shock.

Brave Dexter brought attention to the unconscious Mr Rowland's plight, by barking and running frantically around until another dog walker found him collapsed.

The passer-by rang for an ambulance and Mr Rowland was rushed to hospital. He has since made a full recovery.

Mr Rowland said: "Jane and I are so proud of Dexter and we have a lot to thank him for.

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"He played a critical part in raising the alarm by finding help and stayed by my side until the ambulance turned up.

"He has more than demonstrated his loyalty to us and we are so glad we decided to come to Battersea Brands Hatch to rehome another rescue dog.

"Dexter is now the third dog that we have rehomed from Battersea since 1995.

"Our Dexter says that every home should have a dog, as they may just save your life."

Rehoming and welfare manager Michelle Bevan added: "We were absolutely delighted to hear Dexter’s story, after getting to know him whilst he was in our care.

"We were relieved to hear that Iain has made a full recovery.

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"We rehome around 400 dogs every year and love to hear how they are settling into their new homes but were especially pleased to hear about Dexter's brave behaviour.

"This is an amazing example of what rescue dogs can be like and we would urge people to consider coming to our centre to give the rest of our courageous canines the second chance in life they all deserve."

To find out how to adopt a rescue dog, call 0843 509 4444 or click here.