The littlest hero: Boy, six, uses his body as a shield to protect younger brother from dog attack - 11th Apr 2011

When an angry dog launched a vicious attack on Timo and Carlos Perez, there was only one thing in Timo's mind - to shield his younger brother from the attack.

The German shepherd mix dog had escaped from a nearby business lot and had made its way to the boys' backyard in Homestead, South Florida, where they were playing with a neighbourhood friend.

When the dog began its unprovoked attack, six-year-old Timo was not scared or worried about his own safety. He just knew it was up to him to protect his four-year-old brother and their friend, also four.

The two younger boys hid under a truck in the yard while the dog sank its teeth into Timo's arm, shoulder and head.

Using his body as a barrier between the dog and the younger boys, Timo lay down beside the truck and refused to move as the frenzied attack continued - and the younger boys cowered in terror behind him.

Eventually the dog broke off its attack and ran away. Read More