Dogs are such caring and loyal animals. We’ve seen many stories of loyal pets selflessly protecting their owners during emergency situations, even if it means putting themselves in harm’s way.
That was the case recently, as one dog protected his disabled owner during a catastrophic house fire.
On August 15, a fire engulfed a duplex in Citrus Heights, California. One of the people inside was Melissa Hoffman, who was incapacitated after a stroke in February, and was unable to get out of the burning building.
Thankfully, she wasn’t alone: she had her 8-year-old pit bull Maya with her. The loyal dog stayed by her side โ and laid on top of her to protect her from the flames.
Melissa’s husband David Hoffman was unable to reach her, but used a hose to spray down the fire until firefighters could arrive on the scene, according to ABC 10.
Firefighters from the Sacramento Metro Fire District arrived and found Melissa and Maya, and got them to safety. Maya was unconscious, but the firefighters were able to revive her using CPR.
Melissa has been hospitalized: according to The Sacramento Bee, roughly 60% of her body was burned and she has had to receive skin grafts, though she is reportedly making a “great recovery.”
Officials said that the outcome could’ve been a lot worse had Maya not laid on top of her, and that the dog likely saved her life. Metropolitan Fire District Battalion Chief Parker Wilbourn said that the dog’s actions โprevented major burn injuries to her chest and her torso area that could have been life-threatening.”
David Hoffman was thankful his wife was alive, and credited their dog as a true hero. “She’s not a dog, she’s a family member,” he told ABC 10.
“She’s that loyal (of) a dog,” he added. “Most dogs don’t do that. If they see a fire, they’ll run, they’ll get out of the house. It just goes to show you how good a dog she is and how much we love her and how much she loves us.”
David also thanked the firefighters who got Melissa and Maya out safely, calling them “heroes.”
Maya also suffered burns and smoke inhalation, and has been recovering at Veterinary Specialty Hospital in Roseville, who are treating her free of charge, covering thousands of dollars in medical expenses.
Associate veterinarian Dr. Nicole McArthur told ABC 10 that Maya has made major improvements, that she is “bright and alert” and running around after initially struggling to breathe. She has reportedly reunited with her recovering owner, and also met with the firefighters who saved them.
Sadly, one of the Hoffmans’ other pets, their cat Misty, did not make it out of the fire. However a breeder has gifted them a new kitten named “Marlee the Miracle,” according to the Sacramento Bee.
The Hoffmans’ daughter Angela has set up a GoFundMe to help her parents rebuild after the fire; it has currently raised over $16,000 in donations.
Thank you to Maya for bravely saving your owner’s life during this house fire. We are wishing both Melissa and Maya a full and speedy recovery!
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