(NewsNation) — A dog’s persistence saved a man’s life Wednesday when she successfully stopped a police car and led the officer to her injured owner.

Gita, a puppy-eyed 13-year-old rescue dog with shaggy, black ears and a spotted, white coat, was standing in the road when she caught the attention of a Stevens County, Washington, sheriff’s deputy.

The officer stopped and when he didn’t see any nearby houses where the dog might live, he tried to coax her into his car — but Gita refused. The deputy went on without her to check with homeowners within a mile radius, but none claimed Gita.

When he returned, the black-and-white dog was still there — now lying in the street on the center line.

“He tried to get the dog off the roadway, and it took off up a slightly traveled, unmarked roadway,” the department said. “(Officer) Wright followed the dog, and it led him to a small summer cabin.”

Not far off, the officer spotted Gita’s 84-year-old owner and best friend lying on the ground calling for help. He’d been there for hours, suffered a leg injury and needed his regular medications.

“We credit Gita for saving his life that day,” the sheriff’s department said. “The loyalty and heroism of our furry friends never cease to amaze us.”