Dogs are known as man’s best friend because they show a kind of love and loyalty for humans that no other creature does. Now, a story is going viral that shows this once again, as a golden retriever just managed to save the life of his owner.

It all started on one New Year’s Eve in northern Michigan, where a man named Bob decided to go outside and grab a log for his fireplace. Walking outside in just his pajamas and slippers, Bob slipped and fell, breaking his neck in the process. With no way to get help, Bob lay helpless in the snow for 20 hours, desperately screaming for help. His calls all went unanswered, until his golden retriever Kelsey finally heard he was in trouble.

“I was screaming for help but my nearest neighbor is about a quarter mile away and it was 10:30 p.m., but my Kelsey came,” Bob said. “By morning my voice was gone and I couldn’t yell for help, but Kelsey didn’t stop barking.”

Kelsey refused to leave Bob’s side, and she kept parking even when the temperature plummeted to  4 degrees Fahrenheit. On top of that, she saved Bob from becoming hypothermic by lying on top of him and licking his face and hands to keep him awake.

“She kept barking for help but never left my side,” Bob said. “She kept me warm and alert. I knew I had to persevere through this and that it was my choice to stay alive.”

Eventually, Bob lost consciousness, but Kelsey stayed strong and kept barking until finally her calls were heard. A neighbor then found Bob and called 911 before he was rushed off to McLaren Northern Michigan Emergency Department in Petoskey, where doctors found he was hypothermic with a body temperature of just 70 degrees.

“I was surprised to find out that I didn’t have any frostbite,” Bob recounted. “I am sure it was because of Kelsey’s determination.”

Bob had spinal decompression surgery, which was a huge success and was performed by Dr. Chaim Colen. While Bob has a long road to recovery involving lots of physical therapy, he’s confident that he can persevere.

“I’m so thankful for my two heroes,” Bob said. “Kelsey kept me warm, alert and never stopped barking for help. Dr. Colen saved my life and ability to move. They are truly heroes and I will be eternally grateful.”