23 PAWS (#7): Hero Dogs

Thank you to Cinnamon for hosting the monthly link-up and giving pet-people an opportunity to gush about their 4-pawed friends.

This week I came across a wonderful article that highlights 10 stories from 2012 showcasing Hero Dogs–dogs who went above and beyond.  Have the tissue handy–these are some amazing stories!

These two characters proved to be heroes in their own way in 2012.

Here’s the story…Summer 2012 was very hot and steamy in Madison and doors and windows were shut for most of June and July.  One night in late July, I had the screen doors and windows open to finally get a little fresh air as the temps started to cool down.

In the middle of the night, Kostas jumped up on the bed and was standing over me panting heavily and shaking.  And Tucker was pacing in the bedroom.  All of this activity woke me up.

I could hear a smoke detector beeping somewhere in the distance.  That noise drives Kostas b-a-n-a-n-a-s.  I was petting him, trying to calm him down.  I was still in bed, thinking that someone’s battery was low or there was a fire somewhere in the neighborhood.

I finally got up out of bed to look outside.  I noticed that it smelled a lot like a weekend BBQ–on a Friday morning at 1:30am.  And the smoke detector kept beeping.  But I didn’t hear/see any activity beyond the beep.

The dogs are really agitated at this point but I decided to get back into bed.  Not 30 seconds later the entire life safety system in the condo building went off.  Lights, buzzers, alarms.  I shot out of bed, ran to the front door, leashed the dogs, grabbed my wallet, phone, keys, and we were the first ones out of the condo building.  I called 911 to report a fire.

Neighbors started trickling out in all stages of dress (side note: it’s an interesting dynamic to see your neighbors in the middle of the night–in the street–in their PJs).

Turns out, there was a fire–smoke pouring out of the unit.  Someone “fell asleep” while cooking.

I have a history of having to escape fires–I’ll save that for another post but long story short–I don’t wait around to find out if there’s a problem.  I get o-u-t.

I know that with the fire alarm system in the building I would have safely gotten out regardless of the dogs waking me, but I am so thankful that they were protecting me, were ahead of the game, and it was a good lesson to me to trust them.

I know something is wrong if Kostas isn’t sleeping at night (or during most of the day).

Yes, Kostas is sound asleep under the covers. On my new fleece sheets.

Any heroic pet stories to share?  Or cute pet stories, in general?