A man's dog has helped save his life by keeping him warm overnight while he was pinned under a quad bike on a rural Queensland property.
It is believed the 56-year-old man rolled his bike at Bondoola, near Rockhampton, yesterday evening and was unable to get help.
It got so cold overnight that the man ended up suffering hypothermia, but could have been worse off without the dog.
"His trusty cattle dog stayed with him all night and kept him warm," Capricorn Helicopter Rescue Service crewman Garth Snaidero said.
"If it wasn't for his dog, he might not have survived the night.
"Man's best friend comes through again."
The latest case of canine loyalty comes two months after Max the deaf and blind blue heeler became Queensland's first honorary police dog for keeping a little girl safe while she was lost overnight in the bush.
This morning, a neighbour riding her horse found the man and his dog.
She performed CPR and called emergency services.
Queensland Ambulance Service's Brad Miers said her actions also saved the man's life.
"I think his outcome has a huge bearing on her treatment and also the early communication she had with the ambulance," Mr Miers said.
"That gentleman is very lucky.
"It's one of those situations where it was an isolated area and people need to be mindful that if a situation does occur they need the necessary support."
The man was airlifted to Rockhampton Hospital with head and chest injuries, and is currently in a serious condition.
Mr Snaidero said the dog, believed to be a Smithfield cross, was in good spirits.
"He did take a liking to the pilot," he said.
