AN 8-year-old service dog threw himself in front of an oncoming mini school bus to protect his blind owner, authorities said.

    The golden retriever, Figo, and his owner Audrey Stone, 62, were both struck by the small school bus while crossing a street Monday in Brewster, New York. The dog stayed by Stone’s side as emergency responders tended to the injured pair.

    Stone, who is legally blind, suffered a broken ankle, elbow and ribs as well as a head wound.

    Figo underwent surgery and has a leg splint after suffering soft tissue injuries to his right front leg as well as a fracture.

    The bus driver, who has not been named, said he didn’t see the pair crossing the road.

    The driver was en route to St. Lawrence O’Toole Childhood Learning Center with two kindergartners on board. The two children were uninjured.

    As the mini school bus approached Stone and Figo, who were headed home, around 8:15 a.m. Monday, the dog threw himself in front of the nearest part of the vehicle that he could, according to the Journal News.

    “He’s amazing and I’m not surprised. Cause that’s the way he is,” Stone said of Figo, who has been with her for six years.

    Paul Schwartz, who manages a gas station at the intersection, ran over to help at the time of the incident. He said Figo’s leg was cut down to the bone.

    (SD-Agencies)