Former cricketer, Guy Whittall survives leopard attack after his dog saves him

Clarence Ford speaks to Barbara Friedman on Barbs Wire about stories trending online. Skip to 9:08 for this one.

Friedman reports on a story that has received local and international attention - former top class Zimbabwean cricketer, Guy Whittall (51) has survived a leopard attack - thanks to his loyal and beloved dog, 'K9 Chikara' who jumped in to stop the attack.

The retired cricketer now runs a safari business in Zimbabwe - based at the junction of the Turgwe and Save rivers in the south east of the country and was attacked while trekking through the conservancy.

Whittall needed emergency surgery after being badly mauled by the large cat.

K9 Chikara was also bitten in the attack and received the care he needed after the attack. Of course, K9 Chikara lives on as a hero and the epitome of the phrase 'man's best friend'. 

Whittall's wife, Hannah Stooks-Whittall took to social media to share a post-surgery update on her husband's close call with death while thanking fans from all over the world for their 'overwhelming' support during this time. 

Whittall's mostly remembered for his unbeaten 1997 double century of '203 not out' against New Zealand.

This near-death experience wasn't Whittall's only one, adds Friedman. 

In 2013, he woke to find an eight foot long crocodile under his bed... and survived.

Here's to the real hero, K9 Chikara who lives to fight and protect another day, just like its owner. 

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the full conversation.