Local Dog Nabs Award for Saving Neighbors From House Fire

PETA Honors Roux the Dog With a Special Gift Basket

For Immediate Release:
July 9, 2020

Contact:
Megan Wiltsie 202-483-7382

A Heroic Dog Award is on its way from PETA to Roux, a dog who frantically barked to wake up her guardian, Jeff LeCates, the night of July 4 and led him to their neighbors’ home, where a fire was raging. He was able to wake up the home’s residents, and all six members of the family—four humans and two dogs—escaped to safety.

LeCates adopted Roux just over a year ago, thanks to one of those neighbors, who is a dog groomer and knew that LeCates had recently lost a dog and that Roux was in need of a home—so she helped arrange the adoption.

“Roux’s intelligence and tenacity got her neighbors the help that they needed,” says PETA Vice President Colleen O’Brien. “Rescued dogs rescue us right back—and PETA encourages anyone with the time and resources to care for an animal to adopt a lovable dog like Roux from a shelter.”

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—notes that adopting a dog saves a life: More than 6 million dogs and cats end up at U.S. animal shelters every year, and about half of them have to be euthanized, many simply because no suitable homes exist for them.

LeCates will receive a framed certificate along with a special gift basket containing toys and vegan treats for Roux.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.