Man says his dog saved his life in fires

A heart-warming tale of a Rottweiler, Danny, credited by his owner with saving his life by licking his face to revive him when the man passed out from the heat and smoke in last weekend’s fires, has emerged on social media.

The story was shared by volunteers who have roamed the affected areas in the Limassol and Larnaca districts in the aftermath of the fires to rescue animals.

According to the rescuers, Danny’s owner, Mr Michalis, told them how the dog rescued him from death.

He said that the spot where he and his animals were was surrounded by fire.

“I let all animals out, we couldn’t breathe or see from the heavy smoke,” the man said.

He added that he and Danny started digging under a tree trying to take cover from the fire, but he fainted from the smoke. Danny, he said, then started licking him non-stop and whining to wake him up.

Mr Michalis said his son was in the same area with him, but he could not see him from the smoke.

“We survived by a miracle,” he said.

He said the fire had burned the whole mountain, except a small piece of land in the middle where he and his animals were.

“I want you to post about him online and say this dog rescued his owner,” the man is heard saying in a video posted on social media by the rescuers, with Danny scampering alongside him.

The volunteers took Danny for treatment as he had burns to his paws, as well as two other dogs with injuries.

(Video: facebook.com/melina.kyriakou.7)

Groups of animal welfare activists rushed to the area during the past few days and rescued dogs, cats but also two horses.

The Pancyprian veterinary association announced that free care would be offered for all animals affected by the blaze.

The agriculture ministry announced on Monday afternoon that it had set up an animal rescue and care unit for pets and wild animals injured during the fires. The unit will cooperate with volunteers to treat animals in need.

According to the Nicosia Dog Shelter on Monday, some volunteers came across an elderly man in his destroyed home along with his nine dogs.

“He lives alone, and these dogs are all he’s got, he adores them, and they adore him,” the shelter said in a post on social media.

It added that all his belongings have been destroyed by fire while his only income was a meagre pension most of which goes to feed for his dogs.

Other groups of volunteers have made arrangements to clear the area from the debris and collect furniture for his home, but the shelter is trying to collect essential items for him and his dogs.

The shelter said they are collecting food with a long shelf life, bed sheets, towels, clothing for the man (small size), personal hygiene items, and dry food for his dogs.

Those wishing to donate may bring the items at the Nicosia Dog Shelter Charity Shop on 13 Pringipos Karolou street in Ayios Dhometios (across from Asty Hotel) between 10 am and 5.30pm.  They may call 22 014951 and 22 357005.