Last Thursday, 76-year-old Herbert Schutz crashed his SUV into a tree on his property in central New South Wales, Australia. While attempting to extract himself from the vehicle, it rolled over, partially trapping Schutz underneath, according to the Daily Telegraph.

He had broken ribs, a fractured pelvis, and a fractured shoulder. It was an isolated spot, and he was there for four days and four nights — freezing nights — without food or water. Speaking to a neighbor who later discovered him, Schutz is adamant that one thing saved him.

His dog, a Kelpie named Boydy, who was in the SUV with Schutz.

Schutz said that his dog lay on his chest to keep him warm, snuggling up to him during the freezing nights. Boydy stayed with his human throughout the entire ordeal, those long days and even longer nights.

The pair were finally saved when Schutz’ concerned daughter asked a neighbor to check on him. Eric Merrett went over to the house.

“I saw the car but he wasn’t in it … then I heard him call out to his dog,” Merrett said. “I thought to myself ‘Where the hell is he?’ I walked around the car and there he was on the ground beside it.”

Schutz was conscious and was able to tell his story — and praise his dog.

“He was very with it. I was pretty surprised how good he was after four or so days lying there,” Mr Merrett said.

“He said his dog lay on him and kept him warm a lot of the time.”

Schutz was transported to Rylstone Hospital before being flown to Newcastle’s John Hunter Hospital, where he is in stable condition.

“He’s in very good care, is conscious and lucid at the moment,” said his daughter, “which is amazing given what he’s been through.”

In other strange twist to this story, police believe that his fractured pelvis was a result of Schutz’ horse walking over him while he was on the ground, trapped by the SUV.

As for Boydy, he’s being well cared for and “rewarded” (hopefully with many treats) by neighbors.