Dog Saves Family From Intruder Hours After Adoption

Lee and Elizabeth Littler feel lucky that they decided to adopt a Saint Bernard named Hercules, who lived up to his name.

The Highland county couple said the 135-pound Hercules ran off an intruder just hours after being brought to his new home.

"The next thing I know he's pulling loose, jumping off the back porch. Then I notice a guy running toward the fence and Hercules is jumping toward him. The guy gets to the fence and Hercules grabs him by the ankle," said Lee Littler.

Police said the home's phone and cable lines had been cut.

Hercules had been adopted from the Highland County pound earlier in the day.

Lee believes he rescued Hercules just a few days before he was scheduled to be euthanized. The dog had been found, bloody and dehydrated, by hikers on Oct. 31.

"Originally me and my wife were talking about just nursing him back to health from injuries, then finding him a good home. But now we're talking like he has earned his place to stay," said Littler.

While Hercules has a new home, Littler said many more dogs like him currently living in pounds and shelters are in desperate need of adoption.

He added that you never know when one might be a hero.

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