Maxx, a German Shepherd, is being hailed as a hero after assisting in the rescue of two children after their family’s home in Longwood, Fla., caught fire. Around 11:30 p.m., neighbors heard an explosion and raced over to assist the family.
Chip Dover on News 6 said, “We heard a big boom from a house only a few houses down from here.” “We noticed orange flames erupting.” Dover and his son, Andrew, were able to break windows and extract Maxx’s dog mom.m Firefighters broke down the front door and rescued Feaser’s husband, Brent when they arrived.
The couple’s 2-year-old daughter and 4-year-old son, however, remained trapped inside the blazing home. Margo Feaser, a 12-year SCSO veteran who also served with the US Army in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom, had to be restrained from racing into the house to save her children. But Maxx jumped in and led the firefighters to the boy and girl through flames and thick smoke.
Dr. Chloe Magaldino of Sanlando Animal Hospital told WESH, “I am not surprised, and it certainly tugs at my heart knowing that the majority of our dogs and pets would do that for any one of us.” “Even if many of us think, ‘My dog would never do that,’ or ‘My dog is such a wimp,’ I can nearly guarantee that they would put your life, your safety, ahead of their own nine times out of ten.”
Maxx was treated for smoke inhalation and minor burns to his paws at a local veterinary hospital. His family, on the other hand, is still in the hospital, with injuries ranging from serious to critical — but they are all expected to make a full recovery.
Sheriff Don Eslinger stated in a statement, “We are grateful to the neighbors who rushed into action, and we especially applaud the firefighters who selflessly entered the blazing structure and risked their lives saving the Feaser family.” “There will be a long road to rehabilitation and rebuilding ahead of Margo and her family, but our Sheriff’s Office family will be there with them every step of the way.” We know our community is behind them as well, and we are grateful for the outpouring of support shown to the family.”