Hero police dog Finn and his owner PC Dave Wardell moved viewers to tears on tonight's Britain's Got Talent.
Finn the German Shepherd took to the stage to perform an impressive mind-reading trick - but during the act viewers learned that the dog saved policeman Dave's life by jumping between him and a knife-wielding offender and was stabbed in 2016.
Finn, his loyal partner of seven years, suffered serious wounds to the chest and head while protecting his owner, and battled for life after being stabbed through the lung. The beloved pooch wasn't expected to make it through the night but pulled through.
The attacker was charged with criminal damage for the horrific injuries to Finn and as a result his owner led a campaign in his dog’s name to change the law so it reflects that dogs are living creatures and not just property.
Earlier this month 'Finn's Law', giving protection to service dogs and horses, was given Royal Assent.
The new legislation means causing unnecessary suffering to a service animal is now an offence in England and Wales.
Finn's mind-reading act on the ITV talent show showed off the incredible bond between the pair.
Judge David Walliams showed the dog a word written down without Dave seeing. Finn then returned to Dave and stared at him before he correctly guessed that the word written on Walliams’ board was 'table.'
As Finn's story was told on a big screen host Ant McPartlin was seen wiping away tears.
And dog lover Simon Cowell also got emotional in his judge's seat and admitted he would have given a Golden Buzzer if he hadn't already given it out to comedian Kojo Ani earlier in the series.
"Aww! I'm crying! What an amazing dog!" said one viewer.
"When I tell you i’m sobbing I MEAN it - Finn u are the best boy," said another.
"Omg Finn I'm crying," said a third viewer.
"Putting your life on the line to keep us safe. Thank you very much," said David Walliams.
And speaking about the act afterwards, Simon said: "A dog will literally give up its life for you. For anyone who has been cruel to an animal or a dog, just remember if you had treated him well, they would have put their lives up ahead of you.
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Finn received a yes from all four judges and guaranteed a steak dinner from Dave when he got home.
