DIABETES sufferer Neil Herbert is alive today thanks to the dog that barked — his Staffordshire bull terrier Enzo.

Neil, aged 26, collapsed into a diabetic coma at his Swansea home.

As he lay with his life hanging in the balance, Enzo began barking incessantly to raise the alarm. A neighbour then came to his aid.

Neil said: "I owe him my life, he's my best friend and a dog in a million."

Mr Herbert was alone at home when he suffered a severe hypoglycaemic attack.

His girlfriend Claire was trying to ring him but when she couldn't get an answer she rang a neighbour who said she had heard Enzo barking.

Neil said: "Straight away, she knew something was up, as he never barks.

"They broke down the door to find me lying unconscious, with Enzo trying to wake me up.

"I was then rushed to the hospital, but had I been lying there 10 minutes more I wouldn't be here and I owe it all to my hero Enzo."

Mr Herbert was a window fitter until around two years ago when his diabetes forced him to stop work and his leg was put in plaster. He had to have his leg amputated in January this year.

Enzo will now be honoured with his owner at the opening of Swansea's second Pets at Home store at Fforestfach.

Today the duo were guests of honour when the shop, which has created 11 local jobs, opened for business.

Jay Reece, manager of the new Pets at Home store, said he was honoured to be welcoming Enzo and Neil into the store. He said: "Stories like theirs are testament to how special pet ownership can be."

Enzo and Neil will received £250 worth of Pets at Home vouchers.

rupert.hall@swwmedia.co.uk