Tiny Puppy Credited With Saving Owner's Life During House Fire

BERTHOUD, Colo. (CBS4) - Firefighters say a man escaped a fire in his mobile home without injury -- thanks to his dog.

Officials with Berthoud Fire Protection District say the man was asleep but his puppy, a Miniature Pinscher named "Bella," woke him up when the house began to fill with smoke.

"The homeowner had fallen asleep when the fire started, and his puppy Bella's actions of licking her owner's face to wake him saved this homeowner's life," officials with Berthoud Fire said.

The fire broke out at the Blue Spruce Mobile Home Park Sunday night. Berthoud Engine 1 declared an active structure fire and began fire suppression efforts.

Berthoud Engine 1 and Berthoud Engine 2 were on scene as well as a Loveland Fire Rescue Battalion Chief and engine crew. Larimer County Sheriff's Office and Thompson Valley EMS were also on scene to provide support and medical care.

"Unfortunately, due to the damage, the home will not be able to be occupied at this time," officials stated.

Investigator will be out to determine the cause and origin of the fire.

"Prior to the fire, the homeowner was in the process of replacing smoke detectors in the home and consequently had no working smoke detectors at the time of the fire. This is an excellent example of why working smoke detectors are critical to have in your home," officials stated.