2007 Dog of the Year Award - National Dog Day

Talk about a hero! Who knows what would have happened to the Patel family, the father, mother and two children present at the time the gunman moved in to rob their their liquor store in Florence New Jersey, if it hadn't been for the heroic actions of their beloved dog, Moti. The Animal Miracle Foundation has chosen Moti as the 2007 National Dog Day "Hero Dog of the Year" for his unconditional love and bravery in helping to protect the precious lives of his family...and taking a bullet in the process!

You can't blame Moti, a 5-year-old German Shepherd, if he's feeling sick as a dog. The furry crimefighter is recovering from a gunshot wound after foiling a robbery Friday night at the Town Liquor Store on Route 130 in Florence.

Owners Harshad and Mital Patel and their two daughters were inside when a masked gunman came through the doors.

"The guy just walked in with a mask, so I realized something was going to happen bad," said Mital Patel.

"He pointed the gun at my wife and the cash register and said two or three times, 'give me money. Give me money,'" explained Harshad Patel.

Before Harshad could even give a command, Moti, all 115 pounds of him, was on his feet.

"As soon as Moti heard that, he just climbed over the counter, started barking at him. So he pointed the gun on Moti and he just shot him and ran," said Harshad.

Moti needed emergency surgery. Believe it or not the bullet is still inside, lodged in Moti's shoulder. Vets will decide soon whether or not to remove it.

"It's really amazing. I think it gives new meaning to the word man's best friend," said Mike Lepore.

"He's my hero," said Mital.

The Patels credit Moti with saving their family from the gunman, who's still at large. Make no bones about it, after what Moti did they are giving the vocal crime-buster top-dog treatment.

"Good meal, good steak. He gets everything good now. More than he needs!" said Harshad.

In the meantime Moti is back at his post and as protective as ever. It seems this dog's bark really is worse than his bite!

"Were so proud to present Moti with this title and award and look forward to his speedy recovery. That's what I call "guts on four legs!" said Colleen Paige, founder of National Dog Day.