A Golden Retriever is being called a hero by it owners after he was shot in the head during a robbery attempt.

"Fat Boy" came home from the vet Friday, recovering from his ordeal.

Residents of the North Lenoir area of Lenoir County are being warned to lock their doors and not open your door unless you know who is on the other side. This after the series of home armed robberies occurred this week.

The sheriff's office is now asking for help from the State Bureau of Investigation.

Lenoir County deputies say in all three cases the men were wearing various masks. Deputies say they believe the men are being transported into the area, with a getaway vehicle left nearby.

The first case happened around 12:15 a.m. Monday on Institute Road. The homeowner was held at gunpoint, then blindfolded him and stole several items. Michael Taylor was hit over the head and one of the robbers fired his gun, almost striking the man.

The next case happened around 4:45 a.m. Tuesday. Three masked men came into a home on Dusty Road, Snow Hill through an unlocked door. The men held Bobby Melton and Leonard Smith at gunpoint, forced them to disrobe and took items from the home.

The latest case took place Thursday around 12:20 a.m. That's when two masked men knocked at the door of a home on Fred Everette Road, LaGrange. The resident opened the door with the men pointing a handgun at her. That's when her dog ran out and one of the gunmen shot it in the head and then ran from the home. Deputies say nothing was taken in that robbery attempt.

The men are described as black males, anywhere from 5'8" to 5'10" in height, 130 to 150 lbs, and in their early 20's.

Anyone having any information about these cases are asked to contact the Kinston-Lenoir County Crime Stoppers.