There’s a reason we call dogs our best friends. Their unwavering loyalty and protective nature often shine brightest in times of trouble. Recently, a brave Labrador retriever showed just how far these amazing animals will go to keep their loved ones safe.
Last Tuesday in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, a family’s home caught fire while they were away. Inside the house were their pets: a cat and two dogs, trapped as the flames spread.
For 30 tense minutes before firefighters arrived, the animals were stuck inside the burning home. During this scary time, something incredible happened. Miller, a four-year-old yellow Lab, was found shielding the smaller dog, Amelia, in a corner. He used his own body to protect her from the fire.
“He may not have known exactly what he was doing other than being with sister during a scary time, but he protected her one way or another,” the pets’ owner Chris Hinz told KRQE.
Miller suffered serious injuries, including third-degree burns and lung damage from breathing in smoke. He’s now at a local vet hospital and has months of healing ahead. Despite his wounds, Miller’s actions kept Amelia safe from harm. Amazingly, all three pets survived the ordeal, which is a huge relief to Hinz and his family, even though their home was badly damaged.
“Thankful is probably an understatement of how lucky we are to have them still. Things can be replaced, and the house can be rebuilt,” Hinz told KRQE. “Material items are replaceable. Animals aren’t.”
Since the fire, the family has received over $10,000 in donations to help pay for Miller’s medical bills.
Miller’s heroic deed shows just how loyal and selfless dogs can be, stepping up instinctively to protect those they love. Please share this uplifting story ❤️
Toledo, United States.