Shelley Mamott, Staff Writer

Just a mere few hours after being rescued, a Saint Bernard returned the favor to an Ohio couple by saving their home from a burglary.

Injured Dog Adopted By Couple

Rubert and Elizabeth Littler adopted the 135-pound Saint Bernard from the Highland County Dog Pound to help him get back to health until they could find a permanent home or rescue group to take him.

The dog had been found by hikers injured and dehydrated, barely able to lift his head. A vet said the St. Bernard was likely a victim of a coyote attack.

While pound volunteers were looking for a home for the dog, along came Rupert and Elizabeth Littler.

A Burglar Appears!

The Littlers didn’t know when they named him Hercules, that he would live up to that name hours later.

Rubert Littler told The Times Gazette that he was taking Hercules outside when the dog started growling, pulled out of his hand and charged through the screen door to chase a man running out of their basement.

Hercules Comes To The Rescue

Hercules jumped off the porch, over the stairwell and bit into the man’s ankle as he climbed over the fence to escape. Police investigating the break-in said the Littler’s phone and cable lines had been cut. They believe the incident may be related to another break in earlier that day.

The Littlers, who already have a full house with four other dogs, said Hercules is their hero and has earned his right to stay.