Deaf Blue Heeler Saves Family From House Fire in Arkansas
A ten-year-old Blue Heeler dog from Hector, Arkansas is being called an absolute hero after he alerted his family to a house fire at their home on Monday, January 29.
The remarkable part of this story? The dog, named Dakota, is also deaf.
The parents of the family are Volunteer Firefighters Mike and Jennifer Geurian who never thought they would experience a house fire.
Kark.com reports, "I remember waking up, and I remember I was shaken and you know we were all scared and I didn’t quite register what was all going on until we had gotten out,” Jennifer Geurian said."
Related: Tucson Fire Department Heroically Saves Dog Who Was Pinned Under Flipped Car
When the Geurians got Dakota, he was only six months old and ear mites had infested the Blue Heeler pup's ears. Dakota was treated by a veterinarian, but by then the damage had already been done. Dakota was deaf.
While Dakota couldn’t hear the flames, he could see and smell them, alerting his owners as the house was engulfed in flames.
What an amazing dog for altering his family and thank goodness everyone was okay. This special pup deserves all the treats he can eat and all the belly rubs he wants! What a good boy!
How To Safeguard Your Home From Fires When You Have Pets
Make sure all the pets in your home are microchipped. That way if they become frightened during a home emergency and they run away you can hopefully be reunited faster than if they were microchipped. Keep updated photos of your pets on your cell phone.
Make sure all of your fire alarms are in good working order and test the batteries at least once a year.
The American Red Cross suggests getting a pet alert window cling and writing down the names, breeds and ages of your pets and placing it on your window to help firefighters in case they need to locate your pets.
Have a disaster bag for everyone in your family, including your pets. This should include copies of their vet information, small amounts of food and any medication they need, a disposable litter box for cats and any other comfort items you may need for a few days.
Keep leashes by the front door and a cat carrier where you can have easy access to it.
Hopefully you never experience a house fire but it's a good idea to prepare everyone in your home, including your pets, just in case.
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