Stray pit bull stabbed after stepping in to help woman attacked by man

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- A very special pit bull will soon hopefully have the great home he deserves.

The stray dog stepped in when a woman was getting attacked in Tennessee.

The dog lunged toward the attacker, who came out with a knife and stabbed the dog several times.

The officers who responded got the dog veterinary care and even named it "Hero."

"I don't think we could have let that dog suffer and die," said officer Timothy Clay. "We felt like we needed to get that dog some help after what it had been through."

The officers took the dog to a local vet. He almost died twice during surgery but survived.

The owner of a pit bull rescue raised funds to help pay for medical expenses and was now caring for him.

"I thought he was very courageous and brave. He was totally a stranger to these people," said Carla Welch.

She said despite the injuries, Hero is laid back and likes people.

The 7-year-old pit bull was up for adoption.