Severely abused dog reveals heart of gold when she rescues freezing toddler from certain death

The hero dog rescued a naked toddler from the elements.

An adorable dog named Petunia, who also answers to Peanut, went from rescue to rescuer.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - Peanut was rescued by the Delta Animal Shelter last April and was full of horrific injuries.

Her stomach was full of carpet, she had broken ribs and two broken legs, all of which occurred at different times.

Peanut's owner at the time was convicted of animal abuse and her injuries have since healed.

Soon, Petunia was given a second chance with a new family who took her into their home in Michigan.

The family experienced something amazing with Peanut and sent their story in to the Delta Animal Shelter Facebook page:

"Dear Shelter, I must share a heartfelt story about how wonderful our little Peanut has been! She has truly been a blessing to our family and we love having her around.

"As you know, her background was so heartbreaking and we are so happy that we were able to take her into our home and give her the love and the family she deserves.

"However, I think she still has some 'sixth sense' about her past life that she has carried with her."

The family continued, explaining how Peanut began to exhibit odd behavior in their home. "She was running up and down the stairs, barking and yelping" until she finally went to the Father of the household, who was working in the garage.

Peanut let him know she wanted to go outside so he let her out and she took off straight to a field behind their home.

Concerned, he followed the dog and was shocked to discover Peanut beside a naked toddler. The girl was shivering and curled in a ball so he removed his sweater, wrapped her up and brought her inside.

The family warmed her and immediately called 911. When authorities and an ambulance arrived, the child uttered a single word: "Doggie."

"Thanks to Peanut, a little girl's life was saved today," the family wrote. "She has been such a blessing to us, and now to others. Words cannot express how grateful we are that we have Peanut in our lives and how amazing she is.

She is a part of our family now and thanks to wonderful people like you at the shelter, she is alive. Without her, not only would she have been gone from this world, but the life of this little girl might have been taken as well."

The amazing story received 3,700 reactions on Facebook, over 2,500 shares and nearly 500 supportive comments.

"Amazing and PAWsome!" Cindy N. wrote and "OMG what an amazing story. Peanut was saved and in turn Peanut saved a life. Wowww God is good! by Sheiladivagurley S.

Meanwhile, Peanut the hero is set to live out the rest of her days happy and healthy in her forever home. There is no news on the unidentified child.

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