Loyal terrier who refused to leave the side of her dead owner is adopted by the fireman who came to rescue the dog

A loyal terrier who refused to leave the side of her dead owner has been adopted by the fireman who rescued her.

The faithful dog, called Martha, was found shivering, alone and forlorn by James Trounson.

Mr Trounson had been part of an emergency crew who had been called to a house in Breage, Cornwall where Martha was found.

Refusing to desert the eight-year-old dog, the firefighter began searching for someone to take her in but after drawing a blank, he decided to adopt her himself.

Mr Trounson, who is also a builder, now takes Martha with him everywhere and says she has a 'complete new life now'.

The firefighter from Helston Community Fire Station broke down the door of the house in Breage, 10 miles away from Penzance, only to discover that the owner had died.

Mr Trounson was touched by the sad look on the little dog's face as she sat there dutifully with her owner and asked if he could look after.

Following an unsuccessful mission to reunite Martha with her owner's next of kin, the builder-turned firefighter adopted her himself.

After checks by the RSPCA and with permission from the police, the hero welcomed the little dog into his home. 

He said: 'She comes with me everywhere. We already have a collie called Merlin and we were looking for a mate for him.

'We took her home and gave her a good bath.'

He added that, because Martha did not like being left alone, she usually joined him in his tractor.

'She's got a complete new life now. She sleeps on the bed at night with Millie the cat.'

A spokesperson for the Helston Community Fire Service said: 'On arrival, the resident was found deceased in the house, with her dog.

'With no immediate next of kin, FF James Trouson has made arrangements to

adopt the pup.

'FF Trouson responds mainly for Mullion Community Fire Station and responds for Helston when he's in the area.

'Out of tragedy, sometimes there is happiness.'