A teenager saved her beloved pet dog from being hit by a passing train – only to be dragged along the tracks herself.

Joy Rachelle Equinan, 19, saw her pooch run away and darted after it in Manila, the Philippines on December 26.

She leapt onto the tracks and was able to throw her dog, named Buddy, to safety.

However, as she scrambled away she was struck by the fast-approaching train and dragged along the tracks as the driver slammed the brakes.

Shocked neighbours found her lying face down several metres away but miraculously she was still alive.

Joy was taken to the nearest hospital where medics found she had a dislocated hip bone.

Animal lover Joy is now recovering in hospital where her pet has been to visit her.

Her mother, Elsie, said the dog lost weight and became sad when her daughter was taken to the hospital.

She said: ‘It’s like the dog understood what happened and misses my daughter so much. They are best friends.’

Joy is now scheduled for two more operations so she needs at least a month more before she can go home.

Despite being away, Joy regularly video chats Buddy and her family whom she said she loves so much.

Joy said: ‘I don’t regret what I did. I saved my pet dog’s life. I’m so thankful that we both survived. God was watching over us.’