Dog Saves Owner From House Fire, Canine Tragically Dies in Blaze
- Posted on November 2, 2011 at 5:25pm by
Christopher Santarelli
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A Georgia-man is in emotional agony after losing not just his home, but also his best friend. Channel 2 on Duncan, Scott Dunn’s 3 1/2-year-old boxer who woke his owner up when the house was on fire, but did not make it out alive:
Scott Dunn was brought to tears when discussing Duncan. As described in a CBS Atlanta interview, Duncan had woke up Scott when the house was on fire, and had fallen from his owner’s back when the two were escaping the smoldering house. Dunn did not notice that the dog was not with him, as he frantically ran to save his truck, which as a subcontractor by trade is “my livelihood.” When he realized Duncan was no longer with him, Dunn looked for the dog and called for him to come out off the smoldering fire. The Atlanta Journal Constitution reports that Dunn said he had tried to run back into the smoldering house, but neighbor’s advised against it.
“When I got in the door, it was too hot and I couldn’t’ go in. I tried to go in, but I couldn’t,” said Dunn to the AJC.
Unfortunately, fire fighters discovered the loyal dog had perished as they found Duncan‘s body at the foot of Dunn’s bed.
The AJC reports that Duncan and Dunn had fallen asleep while watching Monday Night Football;
“’Duncan was covered up with me, and I fell asleep, and the next thing I knew, he was poking at me and barking,’ Dunn told the AJC. ‘Normally, that means he needs to go out, but when I woke up, I couldn’t see because there was smoke.’”
Fire officials have not yet determined what caused the fire. AJC reports that the subcontractor had already been going through some tough times, as he had his gas cut off a month ago. Aside from his truck, Dunn lost all of his possessions. Despite this, Dunn was still primarily distraught with the loss of his best friend:
“Anyone that knows me and has ever met Duncan knew he was the best dog in the world, and he didn’t deserve that,” Duncan said. “I should be there, he shouldn’t, but he saved my life.”
A still grieving Dunn buried Duncan in his backyard. When asked by CBS if there was anything anyone could do, Dunn requested that they pray for his lost friend.
Since the story was originally reported Tuesday, the AJC writes that Dunn has received an outpouring of support from the community and beyond:
“Offers of help poured in from as far away as Washington state, with several writing to offer replacement puppies to Dunn.
‘I breed boxer puppies, and I know that they are the perfect family dog, and more,’ wrote a man from Iowa. ‘This story goes to show how much they care for the ones that take care of them. I would like to offer this fella a pup, free of charge, if and when he is ready for one.’
At least two other readers wrote saying they would like to purchase a new puppy for Dunn. One reader even offered his own 6-week-old puppy to Dunn.”
Dunn said Wednesday that he will never be able to replace Duncan, but plans on getting another dog. In addition to puppies and rescued dogs from shelters, AJC reports that a University of Georgia football season ticket holder noticed Dunn’s UGA cap, and wrote to offer whatever assistance he could as well as tickets to an upcoming game. When Dunn went to Duncan’s grave this morning a stranger came by and gave him a duffel bag with socks, underwear, shampoo, shoes, and other useful items.
Nearby residents told the AJC that Dunn is a helpful neighbor with a “very big soul.” The AJC is forwarding all offers of assistance to Dunn.
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Eyeball
Posted on November 4, 2011 at 12:31amA dog gives you their unconditional love and it is hard to lose them. Especially this way.
Report Post »Armed Patriot
Posted on November 4, 2011 at 10:49amLeft your dog for your truck??? I feel your pain, with tears rolling down my face, but I dont understand. I would have died with my Sammy (also a boxer) before I left her in a fire. A work truck???
Report Post »Armed Patriot
Posted on November 4, 2011 at 10:50amI pray that God eases your pain my friend.
Report Post »dontbotherme
Posted on November 3, 2011 at 8:56pmAwe…. :’(
Report Post »watashbuddyfriend
Posted on November 3, 2011 at 8:16pmAs I watch the video, the tears flow from this 80-year old’s eyes, and down my cheeks. I know the hurt Scott went through with the loss of his Best Friend!
Report Post »SistaTriscuit
Posted on November 3, 2011 at 6:43pmOh man… poor guy. I’ve owned Boxers for years, among other large breeds, and they are by far THE greatest dogs ever as far as I’m concerned. Intelligence & personality like no others. My heart breaks for them both.
Report Post »courtcopphil
Posted on November 3, 2011 at 12:51pmThis story, and a million others just like it, is why I like dogs a whole lot more than the average, self absorbed human.
Report Post »EpsilonEridani
Posted on November 3, 2011 at 2:19pmamen to that….completely agree.
Report Post »pavepaws
Posted on November 3, 2011 at 3:42pmWow. I hope pets have an afterlife. Somehow.
Report Post »Armed Patriot
Posted on November 4, 2011 at 10:55ampavepaws… Wow. I hope pets have an afterlife.
I have two Boxers standing guard at the Gates of heaven, alongside the US Marines on guard duty. Brutus and Bono. Say hello to them and pat them on the head for me if you happen to pass on through.
God would not have made so intelligent, wonderful, and loving of an animal if he would not allow it into heaven.
Report Post »Via Dolorosa
Posted on November 3, 2011 at 9:32amAs well – you can go to any Wells Fargo bank and donate to the “Scott Dunn” fund.
Such a tragic loss for this man -
Report Post »piper60
Posted on November 3, 2011 at 9:27amWe need to get this guy a new boxer.
Report Post »Memphis2010
Posted on November 8, 2011 at 12:27pmNO WE DONT! He CHOSE his TRUCK over another living thing! that dog saved his ungrateful life and what did he get in return? An owner that didnt even notice the dog was not with him!
INSURANCE would have replaced the truck, nothing will replace that dog!
This idiot should never own another animal!
Report Post »dictionmary
Posted on November 3, 2011 at 7:25amAnother story of a Boxer saving someone’s life. I love mine!
Report Post »chinqua
Posted on November 3, 2011 at 5:16amI cry for the dog’s lose of life, but I have to say if it had been me, I would have carried my dog out of the house. I would have made SURE my dog got out alive!
Report Post »Memphis2010
Posted on November 8, 2011 at 12:28pmEXACTLY!!!!!
May he meet all his friends on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge. RIP sweet boy!
Report Post »sandy21957
Posted on November 3, 2011 at 12:42amBoxers are amazing dogs, bright, loving, attentive, a bit gaseous, but loveable. So sorry for your loss.
Report Post »Ghandi was a Republican
Posted on November 3, 2011 at 12:40amWhere’s the omnipotent Federal Government on this one? If the progs get their way will they have a ministry of socks, toothbrush and underwear?
Report Post »scoter
Posted on November 3, 2011 at 12:22amhttp://www.helpfireobama.com Please give $20.12
Report Post »mrbuff1959
Posted on November 2, 2011 at 11:37pmThe ability to speek ore spell does not make one sentient , this story is case in point.
Report Post »Ford
Posted on November 2, 2011 at 11:03pmPoor guy. According to those around him, he’s pretty upright. It’s also nice to hear the help and love that is pouring in for him. I pray for him and his loss.
Report Post »vennoye
Posted on November 2, 2011 at 10:45pmThink we value our loyal pets so much because man’s loyalty to one another has diminished so. Am very sorry for the loss of this pet.
Report Post »M 4 Colt
Posted on November 3, 2011 at 12:55amVennoye in this case here i would say that his dog was way more then a pet he was a loving friend who gave up his life to save his owners life.
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