It is often said that a dog is man's best friend. They not only enhance our lives but, in many ways, save us. 

A man and his loyal canine companion were hiking along the Fee Glacier in the Pennine Alps in Switzerland when the man suddenly fell into a glacier crevasse. 

His tiny dog, which appears to be a Papillon, never left the opening - which would prove vital in the man's rescue. 

Thankfully, the man had a walkie talkie and was able to call for help. His location was pinged and rescue service Air Zermatt crew and KWRO rescue specialists headed out in a helicopter to rescue him. 

However, when they arrived in the area it was difficult to find the exact spot as the crevasse was not visible and the glacier surface was vast. 

Then one of the rescuers spotted something moving on a rock - the little dog.

"Right next to it was the collapse hole through which the man had fallen into the crevasse. Thanks to the dog's behaviour, the crew was able to locate the exact site of the accident. The rescuers abseiled down to the casualty and were able to save him," shared Air Zermatt in a press release. 

They went on to say, "The little dog did not move during the entire operation and closely followed every movement of the rescue specialists. It is fair to say that his behaviour contributed significantly to the successful rescue. The dog is a four-legged hero who may have saved his master's life in a life-threatening situation."

While the dog has been called a Chihuahua, those large "butterfly" ears has me thinking he is a Papillon. This toy spaniel breed is intelligent, friendly, and obviously the definition of loyal. 

If you need a four-legged hero in your life, head to your local animal shelter.