Fires are terrifying for everyone, but they’re the worst for our furry friends. While we might know what’s going on and where to run during a fire, our dogs do not. All they feel is fear and confusion, which might make it hard for them to escape alone. So, when a fire started in a Florida house while Amber the dog was home alone, she panicked. She had no idea how to escape the smoke.
But luckily, a kind police officer heard the pup inside. He did the only thing he could to set the four-legged family member free. He risked his life to save the dog. What a hero!
A Dog Trapped in the Flames
Steven and Autumn Konen were out running errands when their home caught fire. It’s unclear how the fire started, but luckily, no humans were in the house when it happened. But another important family member was. The Konen family’s dog was home alone when the Florida house burst into flames. Poor Amber had no way of calling for help.
The Palm Coast Fire Department and the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene. Deputy Jeckovich with the police department was the first to notice the dog trapped inside. He heard scratching on the other side of the door, so he rushed to find out what to do.
His bodycam footage shows him running to other officers and firefighters to alert them of the dog. He asks them if he’s able to open the door. Someone informed him that smashing the glass on the door was the only way to save the canine in time.
So, without hesitation, Jeckovich raced to the door and began smashing it with a weapon. Once most of the glass fell, he whistled and called for the dog to come. At first, nothing happened, but smoke quickly poured out the door. The smoke caused the officer to cough so heavily that he had to step away. Luckily, as Jeckovich recovered, Amber ran out of the opening. He saved the dog from a tricky situation!
House Demolished, But Canine Safe!
When the medium-sized dog ran out the door in the rescue footage, she appeared to be a light gray color. Amber is usually white, so the smoke had caused her fur to appear darker. When the Konens returned home, they were devastated to see that their home was no more. Yet, they were overjoyed to find out that their canine companion survived.
“While the dog was a little shaken up, there were no serious injuries. The homeowners were not home at the time of the fire but were relieved to be reunited with their pet when they arrived on the scene,” wrote the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.
It was later revealed that the family’s cat named Boot was also inside during the fire. They said that he survived, but is now lost. If you live near Flagler County, Florida, please be on the lookout for a black and white cat.
Other than their health and their lives, the family lost almost everything else that day. So, if you’d like to help them get back on their feet, please consider donating to their GoFundMe. No one should have to go through that, especially not a confused and terrified dog like Amber.
Watch the Video Footage Here:
H/T: people.com
Featured Image: Steven Konen Facebook and Screenshot, Flagler County Sheriff’s Office YouTube
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via Whisker Therapy