Dogs are such loyal and protective animals. In emergencies, they will often step up to protect their loved ones.
That was the case recently, when one heroic Labrador retriever shielded a smaller dog from a house fire, even if it meant getting burned himself.
Last Tuesday, a fire broke out at a house in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. The resident family were not at home at the time, but their pets—a cat and two dogs— were trapped inside.
The poor animals were stuck inside the burning home for 30 minutes before firefighters arrived, but during that time one of the dogs displayed an incredible act of selflessness and heroism: Miller, a 4-year-old yellow Lab, was found in the corner shielding a smaller dog, Amelia, from the flames.
“He may not have known exactly what he was doing other than being with sister during a scary time, but he protected her one way or another,” the pets’ owner Chris Hinz told KRQE.
Miller reportedly suffered third-degree burns and lung damage from smoke inhalation, and has since been at the local veterinary hospital with months of recovery ahead. But you could say he took one for the team, successfully shielding the smaller and more vulnerable dog from danger.
All three pets were recovered from the fire alive, a fact that Hinz and his family are very grateful for — a silver lining after the blaze damaged much of their home.
“Thankful is probably an understatement of how lucky we are to have them still. Things can be replaced, and the house can be rebuilt, Hinz told KRQE. “Material items are replaceable. Animals aren’t.”
The family has reportedly received over $10,000 in donations since the fire, which will go a long way in paying for Miller’s extensive medical bills.
Hero dog Miller proves how loyal and selfless dogs can be, instinctively stepping up to protect those in need. Please share this uplifting story ❤️