‘Man’s best friend’ dies taking bullets for his family

In the ultimate act of heroism, a dog has died taking bullets for his family during an alleged shooting at their home in the US.

The brave pet, Zero, allegedly tackled the shooter when he entered the family home and opened fire during a 13^th birthday party.

It was reported Zero then bit the gunman’s arm to stop him from shooting at the family, resulting in the gunman shooting the dog three times to get him off his arm. He then fled the scene.

"He [Zero] jumped up to protect us and never showed any fear, even when he was struck,” owner Valerie Pace told ABC13.

Laura Martinez and Pace were forced to put their beloved family member down, after a vet informed them he was unable to be saved.

“I’m going to miss him a lot,” Martinez tearfully told ABC13.

The alleged shooter has been named as Javian Castenada, a teenager from the neighbourhood who had also been caught breaking in and stealing from the family home in the days before.

Castenada is now a fugitive wanted on three counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

"We just need you to turn yourself in,” pleaded Martinez.

“No one else needs to get hurt.”