Heroic Dog Receives PETA Award for Saving Family in House Fire

Pint-Sized Mixed Breed Honored With Goody Bag for Alerting Family to Danger

For Immediate Release:
January 23, 2015

Contact:
Moira Colley 202-483-7382

A family escaped from a devastating house fire after their 2-year-old mixed-breed dog, Foxy, awoke them early in the predawn hours with her barking. “[T]he whole house was full of black smoke and you could see the fire,” said Foxy’s guardian, Vera Mendez. “If it hadn’t have been because of her, I don’t know what would have happened.” The house was destroyed, but thanks to Foxy, all eight people inside escaped unharmed. To recognize Foxy’s actions, PETA is sending the family a framed Heroic Dog Award certificate and a “doggie” bag containing an eco-friendly squeaky toy, a Nylabone, and a box of vegan dog treats.

“Dogs are known to go to courageous lengths to help their human friends, and this smart and tenacious dog is no exception,” says PETA Senior Vice President Daphna Nachminovitch. “PETA hopes her story will remind all dog guardians to return their companions’ affection with walks, toys, and love and to treat them as beloved members of the family.”

PETA, whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way,” encourages anyone with the time, willingness, ability, and resources to care for a dog properly to adopt from a shelter, rather than contributing to the homeless-animal crisis by buying from a breeder or a pet store.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.