Family says dog tried to pull baby out of burning home

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Thor is credited with saving his family from a fire that destroyed their home. (WSBT photo)

Thor is credited with saving his family from a fire that destroyed their home. (WSBT photo)

By Jason Overholt

Story Created: Jul 8, 2010 at 10:24 AM EDT

Story Updated: Jul 9, 2010 at 7:34 PM EDT

BRISTOL — The Elkhart County Red Cross is calling a Bristol pit bull a hero after he alerted his family to a fire, and even tried to pull a 3-month-old baby girl away from the danger.

The fire started around 3 a.m. Thursday in a hallway and quickly spread throughout the home.

“It sounds like the real hero here is the family pit bull,” said Frank Connolly, assistant executive director of the Elkhart County Red Cross. “Apparently ‘Thor’ woke the family up and even tried to pull the baby and bassinet out of the house. Lately we have learned how important pets can be to a family, and this is as stark an example as I’ve ever seen.”

The family says Thor barked and jumped on them until they woke up. Then he grabbed the baby's bassinet and dragged it to the front door.

"He's the hero today. He's the man," said Kemper Hunter, Thor's owner. "We turned around to look for the bassinet that was at the head of the bed, and it's at the door. All we got to do is open the door and go out. [Thor's] like 'Let's roll, dad! It's time to go, I got you.'"

No one in the family was injured, but their home was heavily damaged. The Red Cross is providing short-term housing as well as food, blankets, clothing and a crib for the baby.

Donations to the family may be directed through the Elkhart County Red Cross. Call (574) 293-6519.

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