Loyal dog kept master warm as he lay trapped under car for four days

For four days and cold nights Herbert Schutz lay pinned beneath his crashed car, and no one, except his loyal dog Boydy, knew. The 76-year-old crashed his car on his property at Rylstone, in central west New South Wales, Australia, last Thursday. It took until Monday night before help arrived. In the meantime all that an injured Mr Schutz had with him was his trusty kelpie, who lay on his chest to keep him warm. Mr Schutz is adamant his "best friend" saved his life.

When paramedics got to Mr Schutz they were in awe that an elderly man could be in such good condition, despite four days without food or water, and trapped under a car. Police believe Mr Schutz's Honda 4WD hit a tree sometime on Thursday. He was able to get himself out of the vehicle, before it rolled and partially trapped him. When his daughter couldn't raise Mr Schutz on the phone after trying for several days she called his neighbor and asked him to go over to his property and see if everything was OK.

Neighbor Eric Merrett said that as he got down the driveway of the property, he spotted the crashed car and feared the worst. "I saw the car but he wasn't in it ... then I heard him call out to his dog," Mr Merrett said. "I thought to myself 'Where the hell is he?' ... I walked around the car and there he was on the ground beside it." He said Mr Schutz was conscious and was able to explain what had happened. He told Mr Merrett he was adamant his dog had saved his life. "He was very with it, I was pretty surprised how good he was after four or so days lying there," Mr Merrett said. "He said his dog lay on him and kept him warm a lot of the time."

Mr Schutz was taken to Rylstone Hospital, then flown to John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle, where he is in a stable condition. He was suffering broken ribs and a fractured pelvis, which is believed to be the result of a horse treading on him while he lay helpless. Daughter Heika said her father was in good spirits and was recovering from his ordeal. Acting Superintendent Julie Boon said Mr Schutz's survival under the circumstances was "amazing". "It's a great survival story," she said. Boydy is being well cared for and rewarded by neighbors until Mr Schutz is well enough to return home.