SACO – They say that a dog is man’s best friend. After a recent attempted robbery to his workplace, Justin Ireland knows that his dog, Thor, has his back.

Ire-land was working at Holly’s gas station at 952 Portland Road, Route 1, Monday afternoon when an unidentified man came into the station demanding money at gunpoint.

A video from the gas station’s surveillance camera shows the alleged robber pushing Ireland, after which Thor lunged at the robber, and attacked his face.

“That ended it right quick,” said Ireland, in an interview Friday at the station in between a flurry of customers.

Thor bit the suspect on the face, and according to police reports, the unidentified man ran toward a truck, described as a newer model light blue Chevrolet Silverado extended cab, parked on the side of Flag Pond Road, and was last seen headed north on the Flag Pond Road.

Police have issued a sketch of the suspect, described as a white male about five foot ten inches, 180 pounds, last seen wearing a Navy blue hooded Gap sweatshirt, black pants, gray and black gloves, a black winter style hat and a dark green mask with an orange liner covering the bottom of his face.

Ireland said he he’s about “99.9 percent” sure the gun the suspect had was fake.

Thor, a three-year-old pit bull and boxer mix, sat quietly in the gas station office Friday afternoon, staring out the glass door at Ireland as he pumped gas.

Ireland said Thor is not trained to attack, and the dog had never before behaved like he did Monday.

Ireland said he takes Thor to work every day.

“He’s a good dog,” he said.

Ireland said he rewarded Thor with a big bone, and many people have stopped by the gas station to give him treats.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Saco Police Department by calling 282-8216, using the MYPD APP, or going online to http://sacomaine.org/departments/police/tipform.shtml.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or egotthelf@journaltribunecom.