Jermaine Pennant says his dog King saved him during German Shepherd attack

Former Arsenal and Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant has credited his dog King with saving him after he was attacked by a German Shepherd in the street.

Pennant, 43, suffered serious injuries in the incident and required more than 50 stitches. The retired footballer, who ended his playing career in 2018, shared a photograph on social media showing his right leg covered in heavy bandaging.

He said he had tried to protect King when the German Shepherd attacked, but the dog instead sustained a minor injury while intervening.

“So I was attacked by a German Shepherd. I tried to protect [my dog] King but the dog got my leg,” Pennant wrote on Instagram.

He said the animal remained attached to his leg after he was knocked to the ground and showed no sign of releasing him.

“I was on the floor with the dog still attached with no sign of letting go, until King intervened … he fought the dog off and saved what could’ve been a horrendous situation for me,” Pennant added.

King was left with a minor injury to his leg.

Pennant later praised his dog for continuing to protect him after the attack.

“My hero, still protecting me and trying to look after me. King, you’re a legend. Love you, man’s best friend,” he wrote.

The incident was reported by British media.