A Massachusetts pit bull named Lilly is doing her best to disprove the notion that pit bulls are an “inherently dangerous” breed.

The 8-year-old pit bull was seen dragging her unconscious owner off a set of train tracks in Shirley, Massachusetts before an oncoming train could hit the woman. Lilly was able to drag her owner, Christine Spain, off the tracks just in time, but unfortunately she was not able to escape injury from the train.

Ironically, Spain’s son David rescued Lilly just three years earlier, adopting her as a therapy dog for his mother. Perhaps Lilly just wanted to return the favor.

Doctors had to amputate her right front leg and reconstruct her fractured pelvis, but Lilly is on the road to recovery.

Dr. Meg Whalen, a staff criticalist at Angell’s Emergency and Critical Care unit, was quoted: ”Lilly’s selfless bravery has captured the hearts of our entire staff.  Her injuries are very serious and her road to recovery will be long.  But she’s got the character and spirit that sometimes trumps all of our medical advances when it comes to recovery.”

Lilly’s recovery is expected to be challenging and expensive. Want to help? Visit the MSPCA web page to make a donation to her recovery fund.

Image Credit: Angell Animal Medical Center