SAN ANGELO, Texas — When an 85-year-old rancher was rushed to the emergency room in an ambulance, his faithful dog Buddy was left behind.

But not for long.

About 20 miles after paramedics loaded JR Nicholson into the vehicle and drove off, another driver frantically waved them down, the Standard-Times reported.

He said there was a dog riding on a step on the side of the ambulance.

Buddy, a 35-pound Beagle mix, had jumped aboard, paramedics told the newspaper. They had no choice but to bring the dog inside and continue on to the hospital.

Nicholson, who had been experiencing dizziness, was released later the same day. Buddy was allowed to visit him.

“I was impressed,” said Nicholson, who acquired the dog from a shelter four months ago. “He didn’t have to go to the hospital with me, but he did.”

“He’s now a member of the family.”