GUIDE dog Jet has been hailed a hero by her owner, Jessica Cowley, after saving the life of her one-year-old son.

Thanks to Jet’s quick thinking baby Jacob was left with only a cut lip following the road accident.

Having spotted a car heading for the family, Jet pulled herself from Mrs Cowley’s grip and pushed Jacob’s pram out of the way of the oncoming vehicle.

The clever dog rushed to Jacob’s aid when the family was involved in an accident close to home in Twist Lane, Leigh.

They were crossing an entrance to a car park when a car is believed to have been shunted from behind by another vehicle and forced off the road and into Mrs Cowley — who is registered blind but does have tunnel vision.

Although the pram fell on its side little Jacob suffered only a minor injury.

“Jet saved Jacob’s life. I dread to think what would have happened if she hadn’t pushed him out of the way,” said 28-year-old Mrs Cowley, who is married to 26-year-old James, an information analyst with the NHS.

The accident happened outside My Pets Vets where Jet is a patient.

Mrs Cowley said: “I heard a screech of a car and then I was hit by it. I was thrown onto a grass verge. My glasses flew off so I couldn’t see and there was nothing I could do but hope that Jacob was safe.

“I had felt Jess pull away from me — I had to let go of her harness as she was so strong.

“The vets came rushing out to help me. I am very grateful to them for their help.”

Vet Caroline Purnell had to take the anxious dog to see her owner immediately after the accident.

“She was worried about me but once she had licked my face and checked I was conscious she was fine,” said Mrs Cowley.

Ms Purnell said staff had rushed to the aid of Mrs Cowley and her son.

“Mrs Cowley was face down on the floor with her left leg trapped on one side of a bollard.

“We really feel that she demonstrated exactly how important these dogs are. She showed no concern for her own safety and went to protect her handler’s child before helping her handler,” said Ms Purnell.

Mrs Cowley said Jet had been given extra treats and cuddles since the accident.

“She loves Jacob and thinks of him as her own. What she did was extremely brave and I am very proud of her,” she said.

Mrs Cowley was taken to Salford Royal Hospital suffering from extensive bruising but is now recovering at home.