A woman saved a dog from a garage fire after she happened to drive by and see billowing smoke. According to NBC 11 News, Dana Pogar was heading home after visiting her mother-in-law when she noticed a German Shepherd trapped near the structure engulfed in flames.
Passerby acts heroically to save German Shepherd from fire
Fire broke out at a garage off H road near Appleton Elementary in Grand Junction, Colorado, earlier this week. Billows of smoke were visible for miles as the structure burned.
“I saw some black smoke,” Pogar told NBC 11 News. “There was one bystander at the time, and I had just pulled in to see if anyone was yelling for help, or if there were animals barking.”
She discovered the dog next to the fire, hemmed in by wooden pallets. The dog was barking. Firefighters had not yet arrived.
Pogar made a snap decision to save the German Shepherd from the fire. A bystander assisted her.
“We just ripped down the pallets and I just scooped him right up,” she recounted.
Pogar fashioned a leash out of orange straps normally used to secure items on trailers. Then, the Good Samaritan guided the dog to safety. She offered the pup water.
Soon, explosions erupted. Pogar believes it may have been a service line, though a propane tank also imploded.
“That was the hottest campfire I had ever been next to,” she said. “It was extremely scary, but the mission was saving the dog at the time.”
According to the news outlet, “The tears flowed when the owner of the garage arrived and made contact with her dog.”
Apparently, the structure stored party supplies for the owner’s small business. Nothing was salvageable after the blaze. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Grand Junction Fire Department.
Meanwhile, a GoFundMe has been established to help the garage owner rebuild her business.
What dog parents should do if a fire breaks out
While Pogar’s actions are certainly heroic, it is generally not safe to take matters like this into your own hands, even if a pup’s life is at stake.
When faced with a fire in which your dog is involved, quick thinking and a calm approach are crucial. Firstly, ensure your own safety by evacuating the premises immediately. If your dog is nearby and easily accessible, leash them if possible. This will prevent them from running off in a state of panic. However, if your pet is uncooperative or cannot be reached without endangering yourself, prioritize your own escape and trust that firefighters will assist in rescuing your beloved companion.
Once you are a safe distance away from the fire, alert firefighters to your dog’s presence and location. Remember that entering a burning building is extremely dangerous and should be left to professionals. Give firefighters a description of your dog, their name, and any known hiding spots they may seek refuge in. Remain in close contact with the firefighters to stay informed about their progress. Share any additional details that could assist in the safe retrieval of your pet. Most importantly, stay hopeful, as firefighters are trained to handle these situations and will do their utmost to bring your furry friend to safety.
