“Huge shout out to this postal worker and the first responders who saved the dog’s lives”

One of the greatest nightmares for dog lovers would be the thought of their house catching on fire with their beloved pets inside.

And that is exactly what happened to this Kensington, Maryland homeowners, Laura and DeWayne Nichols, whose house went up in flames while they were not at home after a fire started in their kitchen.

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Thankfully, a postal worker, Vincent Ross, who was working in the neighborhood, saw smoke billowing out of the house, and immediately called 911. Ross, a 25-year veteran of the post office said that people walking by told him they knew there were pets inside.

“People walking by said they know these people have pets,” Ross said.

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Ross went on to say that as he was talking to the 911 dispatcher, he could hear one of the dogs barking and howling inside the home and was able to share that with fire crews.

Due to Ross’s quick calling for help, the Montgomery County Fire Department and EMS crew were soon on the scene and were able to rescue the homeowner’s 1-year-old German shepherd named Grohl and their 11-year-old Labrador mix named Penelope.

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Apparently, rescuers arrived just in time since rescue crews found both dogs unconscious but were able to revive them both and supply them with oxygen, just as they would save the lives of human fire victims.

Thankfully, both dogs survived the fire. Grohl recovered very quickly and was able to be reunited with his owners. However, Penelope required intensive care treatment at an animal hospital.

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Their owners are very thankful this holiday season that their dog was able to save. Sadly, they did lose 3 cats in the fire. For this couple, their pets were their family, and they are heartbroken over their cats but grateful that their dogs survived. Laura Nichols said:

“I think the dogs would’ve died for sure if the mailman hadn’t been there.”

“You saved our dogs,” DeWayne said during a conversation with Ross after the fire.

“You definitely saved the dogs, they’d be dead without you,” Laura added. “I just can’t thank you enough for everything. Some people would’ve just walked by and not said anything. You saved them for sure.”

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“Heroes do small acts that change people’s lives. You are the hero to our two dogs.”

Ross was glad to be at the right place and at the right time. He said,

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“I’m just glad that I could help, you know, that’s all,” Ross said. “That’s awesome that they wanted to see me and tell me ‘Thank you.”

We hope you enjoyed this rescue story, and it inspires people everywhere to look out for others and their pets. As always, please feel free to share with your friends.