LANDOVER, Md. (WJZ) — A dog refuses to leave its owner’s side after she is injured in a house fire.

Tracey Leong speaks to the owner about her loyal companion.

The fire happened early Wednesday morning in Prince George’s County.

It’s the heartwarming image of man’s best friend–a dog standing guard over her injured owner.

“She’s always been like that,” said April Newell, dog owner.

The pit bull’s owner, April Newell, suffered minor injuries after the home in Landover went up in flames and her father was hospitalized for smoke inhalation and burns.

Newell says her dog, Precious, is very protective and rarely leaves her side.

“It hurts so much, and I wish she was right here beside me as I’m talking to you,” said Newell.

The two-year-old pit bull was taken to the local shelter while Newell was being treated at an area hospital.

Since pit bulls are banned in Prince George’s County, the owner will have to relocate her loyal companion.

It has been illegal to own a pit bull in Prince George’s County for nearly two decades. Violators could face a $1,000 fine and jail time.

“My heart broke, it melted when I saw that,” said Sandra Hamorsky, Maryland Dog Federation.

Hamorsky, the spokesperson for the Maryland Dog Federation, is fighting to get the ban lifted.

After seeing the touching video, she along with Precious’ owner hope lawmakers will rethink the ban.

“When it comes right down to it, a dog is a dog is a dog. And when you look at the video, you have a dog doing what any dog would do, and that’s protect its owner,” said Hamorsky.

Several other animals were also rescued from the home.

Newell will be picking up Precious Thursday, and then looking for a new place to stay.

Police do not plan on pressing charges against the owner.

The fire caused more than $70,000 in damages.