Hero dog saves owner from house fire by protecting woman from flames

The dog’s owner is in critical condition

Che was put on oxygen to help the dog breathe after the ordeal (RPERT / Facebook)

A dog has been praised for helping to save a woman’s life from a house fire by protecting her from the flames.

Che was found lying on the owner’s chest in the Philadelphia house by firefighters who responded to an emergency call.

The Red Paw Emergency Relief Team (RPERT), which works alongside the Philadelphia Fire Department, said that Che’s barking in the night woke up the neighbours and alerted them to the emergency.

“Early this morning we were called by the Philadelphia Fire Department for a dog from a fire,” RPERT posted on 23 October.

“When we arrived [at the] scene we were told that neighbours were alerted of the fire due to the dog barking.

“Neighbours stated that it [was] unusual for him to be barking at that time and that is what woke them.

“When neighbours looked out the window they saw his house on fire. They are saying that the dog saved everyone!”

The post continued: “We were also told on scene that Che was found in the fire dwelling by firefighters on top of his owner trying to protect her!

“Che and his owner are currently both hospitalised. Che is being treated for smoke inhalation and is stable but guarded. Che's owner is in critical condition. Please keep her and everyone affected in your thoughts.”

Neighbour Adele Butler told WFTV: “The dog stayed on her chest the whole time, which prevented her from being burned totally.”

Che’s owner remains in critical condition in hospital.

A firefighter that helped to rescue the dog and its owner made a surprise visit to Che, who is recovering with the Red Paw team.

The staff at the centre said the dog was still on oxygen to help him breathe but he would most likely be released after a couple of days.