FOR many people, the prospect of having a dog licking their face is one to make the flesh crawl.

But there is one woman in Poole who is very glad to have found herself on in just that situation.

Suzanne West owes her life to a seven-year-old Labrador named Herbie. Herbie is her partner’s guide dog, and when Suzanne slipped into a diabetic coma, Herbie began the licking and nudging that would keep her alive for the next six hours.

Herbie showed a determination that was nothing short of, well, dogged. He refused to leave, remaining by her side even when it was time to give the more orthodox techniques of the paramedics a try.

Guide dogs regularly perform amazing acts, but this one takes the dog biscuit. It’s another experience to add to the collection of astonishing tales that show the deep and mysterious bond of devotion that can link human and dog.