Gardaí have praised a dog, who refused to leave his owner's side after he was injured.

Pat Brennan was out walking his dog on Tuesday night near Portarlington, Co Laois when he fell into a ditch.

Gardaí said the elderly man got stuck and could not get out.

The dog, named Jack, stayed by his side and showed officers where he was.

Gardaí said that even when an ambulance arrived, Jack would not rest unless he could see him.

Image via @gardainfo on Twitter

However this tail has a happy ending, as Mr Brennan and Jack are home safe.

People on Twitter were also full of praise for the furry hero.

One user wrote: "Omg doggy looking into ambulance....mans best friend so true. This is lovely."

Another said: "Simply put, we do not deserve dogs. Glad this story has a happy ending for both the gentleman and Jack."

While another simply wrote: "Good man Jack".

Pat's wife Melanie told Midlands 103 that while Jack is always spoiled, he has been getting extra special treatment since then.

"Oh he got a lamb burger last night yes - he has a treat every night, some nice little treat with his dog food.

"So we gave him a little lamb burger last night, because it's not safe to leave a toasted chicken sandwich round the place with him", she laughed.

"He deserves it, he's such a lovely little thing.

"And the fact that he is a rescue dog, that he has come on so well, so quickly.

"He's a lovely little dog".