Pit Bull Mix Hailed a Hero for Saving Disabled Parent from House Fire in Sacramento
Reading or watching the news isn't always an uplifting experience. Every day, it seems like there are enough negative stories about things happening around the world and in our own communities to make someone feel pessimistic for eternity after just one day of getting caught up. But there are still positive stories being shared. There are every day heroes making a difference in the lives of people everywhere if you know where to look for them — and as this special story reminds us, some of those heroes are even dogs.
As Sacramento, California local news outlet KCRA reported in a story published on Monday, September 9, an 8-year-old Pit Bull mix named Maya recently went above and beyond the call of duty to rescue her disabled mom, Melissa Hoffman, when their house caught fire.
According to what Melissa's husband, David, told the outlet, he wasn't able to save his wife from the burning home. But that's when Maya really came through. When the Sacramento Fire Department responded to the call, they found the pup laying on top of her mom.
"They found the dog passed out on top of my wife, which took the burns away from her chest. It likely saved her life," David said.
Heartbreakingly, this means that Maya suffered burns herself — to her mouth and tongue, which veterinarian Nicole McArthur said probably happened because she was licking her mom during the fire — but thanks to quick thinking fire fighters who used an oxygen mask on Maya, the dog was saved, too.
More About Maya & Her Amazing Rescue
While talking to The Sacramento Bee about the fire, David shared more about his heroic pup and the special relationship that Maya and Melissa have with each other. Maya's quick action to protect her mom was so important because, after suffering from a stroke in February, Melissa has been bedridden, so she was unable to escape the fire herself.
“My wife calls her ‘Sweet Pea,’” he said. “The dog’s with my wife 24/7. The dog is present all the time. And when the fire happened, the dog didn’t leave my wife’s side."
Now, Melissa will remain hospitalized until November as she continues to recover from burns on 60% of her body, but Maya has been released from veterinary care and reunited with David after experiencing burns on 20% of her body and suffering from smoke inhalation.
Veterinary Specialty Hospital, where Maya was treated, also decided to cover the dog's $7,000 vet bill for her treatment, which no doubt took a lot off of the family's plate during what has to be a stressful and heartbreaking time.
A fire like that must have been so terrifying for Maya, but the dog went above and beyond the call of duty to keep her human safe. She deserves unlimited treats until the end of time!
