Madison, WI. police say a dog stopped an attempted assault of it’s owner in one of the cities dog parks.

A 36-year-old woman was walking her Golden Retriever in the off-leash area of  Sycamore Park early Tuesday when she heard someone approaching from behind.

Madison police spokesperson, Joel DeSpain, said that before she knew it, a man reeking of alcohol had his arms around her and was grabbing at her chest.

The woman screamed and that’s when her dog came running to her rescue, growling and posturing at the assailant. Upon seeing the menacing dog the attacker fled the scene. “The dog knew its owner was in trouble and came growling, barking and gnashing its teeth,” DeSpain said. “The attacker fled.”

The woman was visibly shaken and crying as she dialed 911. Because she was approached from behind, no description is available.

Based on a story from lifewithdog