Dog Saves Owner From House Fire, Canine Tragically Dies in Blaze

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.