(NewsNation) — Pancho, a rescue dog from New Mexico, is getting plenty of praise after protecting his family from a home intruder armed with a knife.

 Rescued from Española Humane eight years ago, Pancho may have saved his family’s life, NewsNation local affiliate KRQE reported.

The incident happened earlier this month at a residence in Rio Arriba County.  When the intruder came into the house, Pancho jumped into action, managing to subdue the suspect so police could make the arrest. The intruder stabbed Pancho in the neck, and his family rushed him to Española Humane for treatment right away.

Española Humane communications director Mattie Allen says Pancho, who also suffered a slipped disc in his spine after being kicked, is now “recovering beautifully.”

“He is now walking. His wound is healing beautifully,” she said on “NewsNation Live” Friday.

At first, though, Pancho’s prospects weren’t as hopeful. While on the prep table getting treatment, his heart stopped at one point, and he wasn’t breathing. The Española Humane clinic manager performed chest compressions, and the medical director gave Pancho medication.

“It was pretty extensive and pretty scary,” Allen said. “We were all just holding our breath and rooting for him the whole time.”

Ultimately, Pancho was saved, and is now set to start getting some acupuncture and laser therapy next week, Allen said.

“Every time he heard me say the words ‘Good boy,’ his tail would just start thumping, even though he was you know on death’s doorstep,” Allen said.

When he was finally able to reunite with his family in the recovery area, Allen said, Pancho’s human dad dropped to his knees, promising the dog that for the rest of his life, “He is only going to get ribeyes.”

“Dogs save us every day,” Allen said. “I know my dog saves me every day, and love ultimately wins. Dogs are love and love wins.”