A courageous dog from Roseville, California, is being celebrated as a hero for protecting her disabled owner during a devastating house fire. The dog, Maya, an 8-year-old, suffered severe burns while shielding her owner from the flames that engulfed their home last month.
David Hoffman, Maya’s owner, was reunited with her on Monday outside the Veterinary Specialty Hospital in Roseville. Both Maya and Hoffman’s wife were trapped in a burning bedroom at their Citrus Heights residence when the fire broke out. Despite Hoffman’s attempts to rescue his wife, the situation escalated rapidly, and he was unable to get her out in time.
“I tried to get my wife out, but I couldn’t,” Hoffman said, expressing his gratitude to the firefighters. “Another minute, and she might not have made it.”
Sacramento Metro Fire responded quickly to the emergency. Jason Vestal, a firefighter involved in the rescue, emphasized the urgency of the situation. “It was a very fast-moving fire, and with a reported rescue, we had to act immediately,” Vestal explained.
Maya’s heroic actions played a crucial role in saving her owner’s life. The dog was found lying on top of Hoffman’s wife, shielding her from the flames. Veterinarian Nicole McArthur noted that Maya’s burns, including those on her tongue and mouth, likely came from licking her owner in an attempt to comfort her as the fire closed in.
“Maya prevented my wife from getting burned on her chest by lying on top of her,” Hoffman said, calling the dog a life-saver.
After firefighters pulled both the woman and Maya from the burning room, they administered oxygen to Maya, an action that McArthur believes saved the dog’s life.
In a generous gesture, McArthur and her team decided not to charge the Hoffmans for Maya’s medical care. “This family lost everything in the fire. Maya’s a hero, and we didn’t want to add more to their worries,” McArthur said.
Maya’s brave and selfless act has brought her community together, showcasing the profound bond between pets and their owners. The dog continues to recover from her injuries, and her story of loyalty and heroism serves as a powerful reminder of the unbreakable connection between humans and animals.
