Hero Dog: When the rescued becomes the rescuer

Meet Gus, a dog who’s living proof that rescues give back in the most amazing ways.

According to animal advocate Melissa Brown Bowdoin, just a short while ago, Gus was sitting in a kennel at Walton County Animal Control, unsure if anyone would ever come for him.

“But thanks to Barkville Dog Rescue and his amazing foster family, Gus got his second chance — and, he gave his family theirs,” Bowdoin said.

Gus – contributed photo

Bowdoin said the family told her that at about 4 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 23, Gus began barking uncontrollably, waking his mom from a deep sleep. When she turned to look out the window, her heart dropped — flames were shooting from the detached garage.

Contributed photos

Walton County Fire Rescue Deputy Chief Craig League said that at about 4:16 a.m. that morning, firefighters from Walton County Fire Rescue responded to the fire that was in a detached storage building on Blue Springs Drive off Centerhill Church Road.

“The shed was fully involved upon arrival and was a total loss,” League said. “There also was some radiant heat damage to the house there.”

It was due to Gus, who wouldn’t stop barking until someone listened, that the family were able to escape safely before the fire could spread. Bowdoin said the family was told by firefighters that five more minutes and the house would have been engulfed too. The back of the home sustained damage, the siding melted from the intense heat, but everyone made it out alive.

“All because of a dog who once needed saving himself. From shelter dog… to family hero,” Bowdoin said. “Way to go, Gus — you didn’t just get rescued… you became the rescuer.

Walton County Animal Control constantly remains full with animals waiting for someone to be their hero. You can find out viewing hours and see the dogs and cats that are waiting to be rescued at this link!

Bowdoin is again urging people to “Adopt. Foster. Rescue – Because the life you save just might be the one that saves you.”