An Ottawa couple is crediting their dog for saving their lives after a fire broke out in their home overnight Wednesday. Jennifer Filip and her partner were asleep when their dog, Shady, began barking and scratching at their bedroom door, alerting them to the danger.
Quick Action Prevents Tragedy
Filip said she initially thought Shady needed to go outside, but the dog's persistent behavior made her investigate. She opened the bedroom door to find smoke filling the hallway. The couple immediately evacuated and called 911. Firefighters arrived quickly and extinguished the blaze, which started in the kitchen. No injuries were reported, but the home sustained significant smoke and fire damage.
Grateful for Their Hero
"Shady is our hero," Filip told CTV News Ottawa. "If it weren't for her, we might not have woken up in time. We are so grateful." The couple said they plan to stay with family while their home is being repaired. The cause of the fire is under investigation, but officials believe it may have been electrical.
The incident highlights the importance of working smoke alarms and having a fire escape plan. Ottawa Fire Services reminds residents to test their smoke alarms monthly and practice home fire drills.
