Shirley, MA (CNN) -- A Massachusetts pit bull saved her owner from an oncoming freight train, risking life and limb, to pull her off the tracks. The woman survived, but the dog was severely injured.
David Lanteigne has adored his pit bull ever since he rescued her from a shelter to be a companion for his mom who suffers from alcoholism.
“We saved her life and she saved my mom's life. She's just so great,” Lanteigne said.
It was midnight last Wednesday when Lanteigne’s mom fell unconscious on a set of train tracks in Shirely. That’s when Lanteigne says “Lilly” either pushed or pulled his mother off the tracks.
“There wasn’t enough time and just prior to the train making impact, Lilly had intentionally gotten between the train and my mother and had taken the hit,” Lanteigne continued.
Eight-year-old Lilly suffered severe trauma, while Lanteigne’s mom was not hurt.
Lilly needed several stitches to her front leg, but doctors are hopeful she’ll walk again.
“They accommodate quite well to having a front limb amputation,” Lanteigne said.
Lanteigne, a Boston police officer, will be with her every step of the way.
“I’m supposed to be the strong one. I’m supposed to be here for her, but she’s been so great, so touch through all this. It almost seems like she’s the one comforting me and being there for me and making me feel better,” Lanteigne said.
