Hero Dog Saves Family From Fire

The man and woman inside the burning home said they escaped only after their dog, a six-year-old rat terrier mix named Mommy, awoke the couple from their sleep by constantly barking

A North Texas family is thankful for the dog that wouldn't stop barking early Thursday morning.

Around 2:30 a.m., Dallas firefighters responded to a fire at 1550 Caldwell Avenue, arriving to heavy smoke and some fire showing in from the attic of the one-story home.

The man and woman inside the home said they escaped only after their dog, a six-year-old rat terrier mix named Mommy, awoke the couple from their sleep by constantly barking, jumping on the bed, and scratching and licking the woman's face. When they awoke and smelled smoke, the woman, Grabrala Olade, called 911 while her husband tried to fight the fire.

“She was just barking and barking. She wouldn’t stop. I finally got up and when I came outside I started screaming, ‘the house is on fire!’” Olade said.

Both the man and woman were forced from the home by heavy smoke, but during their escape, the dog ran back inside.

When firefighters arrived, they were able to quickly control the fire, though heavy damage still occurred to the house.

While the couple, who said they are renting the home, lost many possessions, one very important thing was saved from the fire -- Mommy, the rat terrier mix. Firefighters found the hero dog and reunited her with the couple.

Olade said Mommy is six-years-old and was saved from the streets as a puppy. She said Mommy returned the favor this morning.

“She definitely saved my life," Olade said. "No doubt, Mommy saved my life today."

One firefighter suffered an injury while fighting the blaze and was transported to Baylor Hospital in Dallas to be checked out by doctors. Investigators are working to determine the cause of the blaze, but residents were told it was likely an electrical fire that started from an exterior box.

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