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Dog Saves Owner by Waking Him During House Fire

Society2h ago
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A dog named Hazel saved her owner by waking him as a fire engulfed their Whakatāne home last Friday. The owner escaped with smoke inhalation, though the house was destroyed. The property manager stated the owner would not be alive without the dog's intervention.

Facts First

  • Hazel, a 9-month-old dog, woke her sleeping owner by biting him during a house fire in Whakatāne last Friday.
  • The owner escaped with smoke inhalation but the house was destroyed.
  • The property manager stated the owner would not be alive if the dog had not been there.
  • Hazel had been surrendered by two previous owners before being adopted by her current owner.
  • JDC Rescue, where Hazel lived before adoption, noted the tenant's decision to adopt Hazel saved the dog's life, and she has now returned the favor.

What Happened

A house fire occurred in Whakatāne last Friday. Hazel, a 9-month-old dog, woke her sleeping owner by biting him, which allowed him to escape. The owner escaped with a case of smoke inhalation, but the house was destroyed. Christina Eichler, the home's property manager, stated to Stuff that the owner would not be alive if the dog had not been there.

Why this Matters to You

This story highlights the life-saving bond that can exist between pets and their owners. It serves as a reminder of the potential value of pet adoption, as organizations like JDC Rescue note that adopting a pet can save its life. For you, it reinforces the importance of having working smoke alarms and an escape plan, as fires can happen unexpectedly.

What's Next

The owner and Hazel will need to find new housing following the destruction of their home. The owner's recovery from smoke inhalation is likely to be a primary concern. Hazel's story may inspire others to consider adopting pets from rescue organizations.

Perspectives

“
Local Witnesses maintain that the wildfire escalated with a speed that surpassed all expectations and exceeded all attempts at containment.
“
Rescue Workers celebrate the emotional reward of reuniting animals with their families and describe the dog, Hazel, as a 'genuine treasure' who remains 'the most gentle and loving girl you could ever meet' despite her trauma.