This ‘hero’ sheepdog who guarded his flock of sheep till the end despite the forest fires raging around him has died.

Angelo, as the pooch is known, sadly lost his battle for life after suffering for days at the Duemari Veterinary Clinic in the Italian city of Oristano on Tuesday, 3rd August.

He was admitted to the clinic after he was badly burned in the fires raging through the comune of Tresnuraghes on the Mediterranean island of Sardinia.

Angelo was found exhausted and injured and was immediately taken to the veterinary clinic in a critical condition on Tuesday, 27th July.

Poignant photos show the pooch at the time of his rescue and later inside a cage at the clinic covered in a blanket and with an oxygen mask over his muzzle.

Angelo was found to have severe burns on his legs, toes and muzzle and had to be medicated every four hours.

He became something of an online sensation, with many Italians cheering him on and praying for his recovery.

However, despite battling for his life, the clinic announced his death via a post to Facebook reading “He’s no longer suffering” and followed up by a sad-face emoji.

The post has since been ‘liked’ 2,400 times and commented on an astonishing 12,000 times by netizens moved by the sheepdog’s bravery.

Facebook user and Oristano resident Rosmarie Lockenvitz commented: “Angelo, hope was not enough. Safe travels. We will remember you.”

Other, such as Senorbi resident Agnese Sailis, praised the vets’ efforts, commenting: “Thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you do. You are people of infinite goodness.”