Dogs are loyal to a fault. Such is their dedication and love for their owners that some would even give their lives for them. That is exactly what happened in Las Vegas, Nevada, as a Belgian Malinois named Alexander saved his owner’s life, but lost his in the process.

Police respond to a report of an attack

When police received a report of a man and his dog being stabbed, they had no idea what to expect when they arrived. What they found was 6-year-old Alexander injured in a knife attack as he tried to defend his owner, Joseph Warlick.

An argument devolved into an armed confrontation

The attack happened after Warlick and an acquaintance got into an argument, which soon escalated into an armed confrontation. Soon, the acquaintance had pulled a “Rambo-style” knife out and attacked Warlick.

“I got hit in the face, cut in the face,” Warlick told NSLV News. “The guy that attacked me, the dog came after him. He pushed him off, and the guy chased him, stabbed him, and took off.”

Life-saving surgery was attempted on Alexander

According to police, Warlick suffered no life-threatening injuries. Alexander’s injuries, on the other hand, were more severe. Alexander was rushed to Lone Mountain Animal Hospital where he underwent surgery. Unfortunately, his stab wounds were severe and surgeons had to remove his spleen and part of his intestines.

Alexander later died from his injuries

Eventually, Alexander was transferred to the Las Vegas Specialty Center, run by The Animal Foundation, where he could receive the care he needed. After undergoing more surgeries, Alexander succumbed to his injuries.

The Animal Foundation put out a statement on Facebook:

“We are devastated to share the news that Alexander did not make it. His injuries were just too severe. We find comfort in knowing that Alexander died a hero, and we hope that you do too. As local news outlets have reported, Alexander sustained his injuries while protecting his owner from a vicious attack. He very likely saved his owner’s life.”

The search for the suspect is ongoing

No suspect has been found, according to police. The Clark County District Attorney’s Office also didn’t know what criminal charges would be brought in the case if the culprit was ever caught. The police department hopes to provide an update once they have more information on the case.

The Animal Foundation

The Animal Foundation is a low-cost vet clinic and animal shelter that takes in animals for treatment no matter how sick or injured they are. For more on The Animal Foundation and the services that they provide, check out the organization’s Website, Instagram, or Facebook page.

For more on this heartbreaking story, watch the following video.

Please SHARE this with your friends and family.

Sources: FOX5 Las Vegas, Instagram – The Animal Foundation, Facebook – The Animal Foundation