Dog alerts neighbours to fire, unconscious owner and pet

PHILADELPHIA – An animal rescue group says a barking dog alerted neighbours to a first-floor blaze at a Philadelphia home where the dog and its owner were later found unconscious inside.

The Red Paw Emergency Relief Team tells The Philadelphia Inquirer the dog was uncharacteristically barking early Sunday, waking up neighbours who called 911 after seeing the two-story rowhome ablaze.

The group says firefighters found the dog lying on top of his owner. Both were unconscious and had to be revived.

The dog’s owner has been hospitalized for burns and was listed in critical condition. Authorities did not identify her.

Fire officials say the cause of the fire hasn’t been determined. An investigation is underway.

The dog was being treated at an animal hospital in guarded but stable condition.