Some neighbors are kind enough to let you borrow their tools when you need them, but others are willing to risk their lives to save your dog. The latter is true dedication! A neighbor that kind seems like something out of a fiction story, but Mike Richter recently proved that selfless people like that exist.
Richter knew how important his neighbors’ dog was to them, so when their home went up in flames with their dog still inside, he did what he could to save the pup. No amount of “thank yous” will be enough for this incredible hero.
Lightning Strikes
Carmen and Jodie Scalfaro were 30 miles away celebrating their daughter’s 17th birthday when a horrible storm broke out. Lightning struck their home, causing the roof to burst into flames. When Richter spotted the fire, he called 911 and then alerted the Scalfaros, who revealed that their dog, Piper, was still inside.
Carmen asked Richter to get Piper out of the house, and Richter didn’t hesitate. He tried opening the garage door, but the power was out. Carmen suggested he break down the front door, so Richter followed his instincts to burst through the door. Piper was startled to see a man breaking into her home.
“I think she was more startled that someone broke down the door than anything else,” Richter said. “She wouldn’t come near me. She’d normally come right to me. That’s why I had to pick her up.”
Richter faced the smoke as he entered the home, scooped up Piper, and ran to safety.
Neighbor Saves Dog’s Life
Thanks to Richter’s quick actions, Piper is alive and well. When the Scalfaros returned home, Piper was just as excited to see them as they were to see her. But sadly, most of their house was destroyed.
“We are heartbroken over the loss of our home (as we know it) and ESPECIALLY over the loss of everything in Bella and Blaze’s bedrooms,” Jodie wrote on Facebook. “I am wrecked over the loss of Bella’s childhood dolls, her bookshelves of close to 200 books, her infant “white blankie,” and Blaze’s built Lego sets, ALL his artwork, and even Woody and Buzz Lightyear. I do not even care about many of the other things that were destroyed, but those things above— their loss crushes me.”
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Luckily, the house can be rebuilt, and new items can be bought, but Piper’s life couldn’t have been replaced. Richter rescued the most valuable thing in the home: a family member.
The family has set up a GoFundMe to raise money to rebuild their house. So far, over half of their $50,000 goal has been raised by kind individuals. Losing their home is heartbreaking, but thanks to their selfless neighbor, they can all stay together during these difficult times.
“Before this, Mike was my neighbor and friend,” said Jodie. “Now he’s my brother.”
Featured Image: Facebook
Toledo, United States.
