Dog uses its own body to protect owner from flames during fire

PORT RICHMOND, Pa. — Neighbors are crediting a dog for saving its owner’s life after a house fire in Port Richmond, Pennsylvania, over the weekend.

"Her dog, Che ... is really protective of her," neighbor Anthony Daly told WPVI. "If you go past her house it's 'Bark, bark, bark, bark!' and that kind of stuff."

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WPVI reported that the neighbors woke up to the sounds of the dog barking around 4:30 a.m. Sunday. They immediately saw smoke coming from Andrea Bulat's home.

When firefighters arrived they found the dog laying on top of Bulat, who was unconscious.

"The dog stayed on her chest the whole time, which prevented her from being burned totally," said neighbor Adele Butler.

Firefighters had to resuscitate Che using oxygen. Che is recovering at Red Paw Relief, which is an non-profit emergency response organization for pets involved with fires or other residential disasters. A spokesperson said they aren’t sure whether the 10-year-old Chow and Golden Retriever mix will survive her injuries.

Bulat is in the hospital in critical condition, with burns covering 50 percent of her body.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Cox Media Group