There’s no loyalty quite like a dog’s. Officer Cory Masterson learned that firsthand—thanks to his K9 partner, Reno.

During a chase through the woods, Cory was ambushed and struck in the head. As he lay unconscious, one of the attackers approached with a knife. Reno leapt into action, biting the man’s arm and stopping the attack, even though he got injured himself.

When backup arrived, Reno guided them to Cory, who was rushed to the hospital with a severe skull fracture. He later fell into a coma. Reno wasn’t allowed in the ICU but waited by the emergency room door every day, refusing to leave his partner behind.

Months later, Cory was moved home with round-the-clock care. Reno stayed faithfully by his side. One night, the dog suddenly sensed something was different—he woke the nurse just in time to witness Cory’s fingers move. Cory slowly began to recover, learning to speak and walk again.

Then, another emergency hit. Cory collapsed one night, unresponsive. Reno barked and scratched frantically until the nurse woke up. Medics arrived and attempted CPR—but eventually stopped, believing Cory was gone.

But Reno wouldn’t accept it. He barked and growled at anyone who approached Cory’s body. And then, a miracle: Cory began to cough.

Doctors called it a rare “Lazarus effect,” when the heart restarts after CPR has failed. Reno never gave up—not once.

In the end, it wasn’t just training. It was love that saved Officer Cory Masterson—twice.