Dogs are affectionately known as man’s best friend because of the loyalty and love they show to humans. The dog in this story is a canine who proved that he will do whatever it takes to serve and protect his owner.

Meet Rex, a two year-old German Shepherd who lives in Des Moines, Washington with his family. One day, Rex was home alone with his 16 year-old owner Javier Mercado when the unthinkable happened: burglars broke in.

“My nephew hid in the bedroom closet as he frightened, held as hard as he could to his barking dog,” recounted Susy Cadena, Javier’s aunt.

Though Javier tried to keep Rex quiet, the dog knew he had to do something to save the teenager.

“Rex’s instinct to protect his home and his best friend, took him downstairs and he attacked the burglars,” Susy explained.

Sadly, the burglars fought back against the dog rather than fleeing.

“Both of the burglars struggled and beat him up with whatever they could,” Susy said. “Rex stormed back to the upstairs floor all beat up and bloody from the beating to check on his master who was still hiding in the closet.”

The two tried to stay hidden, but the robbers eventually found them in their hiding place. Though Rex had lost the first fight, he wasn’t about to let the burglars hurt his owner.

Rex went into full attack mode, and the burglars responded by shooting him four times. They were finally scared away by the sound of police sirens, and though Javier was unharmed, Rex needed urgent medical attention.

“Rex’s life depends on a surgery he will need to survive … [Our] family can not let Rex the hero dog go without us fighting as hard as he did, to his very last bit of a strength while protecting my nephew,” Susy wrote on a GoFundMe page she has set up for the dog.

Rex’s story has since gone viral, and the family has raised over $58,000 for him in just three days!

We have exceeded the goal and we just wanted to assure you that all the money will go toward Rex’s medical expenses and his recovery,” Susy said. “Anything left will be donated to institutions and organizations whose mission is to protect our loved pets.”

Javier said he has learned a lesson he will never forget about the love of a dog.

“I feel like if it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be here today telling you this story,” he said.

Please keep Rex in your thoughts and prayers, and SHARE this story so your friends and family can see this as well!