Heroic Dog Receives PETA Award for Alerting Woman to House Fire

Dog Honored With Goody Bag for Urging Guardian to Escape

For Immediate Release:
April 14, 2015

Contact:
Alexis Sadoti 202-483-7382

When a porch fire threatened the home of Indianapolis resident Jennifer Green, her canine pal, Raja, was hot on the case. Raja reportedly rushed to Green, who was working out of earshot of the fire alarms. The dog jumped on her repeatedly, whimpering, until Green got up to investigate, which is when she heard the alarms. Green was able to escape through the garage, and the fire department arrived just in time to rescue Raja, who ran back inside once Green was safe.

To recognize Raja’s brave actions, PETA is sending her family a Heroic Dog Award and a “doggie bag” containing an eco-friendly squeaky toy, a Nylabone, and a box of vegan dog treats. The Indianapolis Fire Department will also receive a Compassionate Fire Department Award for saving Raja’s life. This is the second award for the department, which rescued several dogs who fell through the ice last winter.

“Many dogs are known to risk life and limb to help a human friend, as this determined pup did in spades,” says PETA Senior Director Colleen O’Brien. “PETA hopes her story will encourage all dog guardians to treat their canine companions as members of the family by taking them on walks, playing with them, and showering them with affection.”

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—offers tips for helping animal companions on its website.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.