<i>Man kicks in door to rescue five dogs from burning house By PEGGY O'HARE Copyright 2002 Houston Chronicle Man's best friend can count Houston resident Virgil Osborne as a friend for life. As a house in the Heights went up in flames Friday morning, Osborne heard desperate cries for help coming from inside. He kicked in the door and found that, although no people were in the house, five frantic dogs were huddled in the doorway, seeking escape. Wary of this bearded stranger invading the home, one of the shaking dogs growled at Osborne, intent on protecting its turf even as flames raged through the house. But Osborne managed to coax all five of the terrified critters outside. The real-life drama might sound like something from television's Animal Planet, but it happened in the 1100 block of Alexander in front of a small crowd. Osborne, 59, likes dogs as much as the next guy but is not fanatical about it. "They're all right, as long as they're somebody else's," he said, smiling. He downplayed his good deed and appeared incredulous when reporters moved in to question him about his heroics. "Oh, man, please!" he said, laughing, as cameras homed in on his face while he stood outside the burning house. Osborne said he had just arrived at a nearby Kroger when he saw black smoke billowing into the sky a short distance away about 10:50 a.m. He investigated, heard frantic barks coming from inside and kicked down the door, which has a "Beware of dog" sign on its frame. "They wouldn't come out. They were afraid to come out," Osborne said. "So I just talked to them. I've got a way with them. It's nothing heroic. "The first one listened to me and went (out), and the others started to follow. But two of them stayed. I told them, 'It's time to leave.' " Three of the dogs were in fine shape, but one -- a border collie named Sarah -- was badly shaken and was taken to a veterinarian clinic, where she was treated and released. The fifth dog, apparently terrified by the commotion, ran away from well-meaning neighbors who tried to catch him. Two of the dogs had tags showing they belonged to a family in Richardson, a Dallas suburb. No one answered the phone at their residence later Friday. Another of the rescued dogs had a Houston clinic tag. The woman who lives at the home that burned, Michele Russell, 39, apparently was out of town Friday. The blaze was extinguished about an hour and a half after it started, fire officials said, and the house was a total loss. The fire apparently was caused by an electrical short in the attic, said Houston Fire Department spokesman Jay Evans. The dogs were recovering at various neighbors' homes. "We just had a big doggie treat ceremony a few minutes ago," said Richard Valley, caring for three of them in his fenced back yard. "The dogs ate treats like they were going out of style, and drank lots of water." </i> This happened 4 doors down and across the street from my house. My wife and I were taking a walk and smelled something funny on our way back but didn't see anything. A few minutes later, we saw a woman chasing a small dog down the street and fire trucks flying down the block. Next thing I know, this house has smoke pouring out of it. The small dog name Yoda wasn't found though lots of people are out looking, but the other dogs and the turtle in the house are fine thanks to this really great guy who broke down the door and another woman who helped him round them up. One of the dogs is staying with our neighbor right across the street (Sarah, the oldest dog that had to go to the vet) and the turtle is staying with another neighbor of ours. In fact, our neighbor was out walking Sarah tonight and we were petting and playing with her. She is VERY sweet. The rest are staying just a block away from us at another man's house. First, bravo to this brave man and the woman who helped him. Second, bravo to the fire department. Man, when they got there, they just busted down the front door and ran in with a hose. Another guy got up on the roof and sawed through it with a chainsaw to get at the attic. Really amazing work. At one point, we had 13 fire trucks right on the block! One thing I gained from this was the desire to check EVERYTHING in my house when it comes to fires - the furnace, hot water heater, electrical, my insurance, you name it. Second, is put up smoke detectors and begin and evacuation plan for all my pets. I don't want to be in that situation. Unfortunately, the house (a rent house) is completely destroyed. It will have to be torn down. Luckily, everyone made it out safely.
Glad everyone is ok, I have a dog myself and would be sad to see him go. I am not sure that I would burst into a flaming house to save somebody's dogs though - people yes - dogs no. Maybe he thought it was people? I guess the house wasn't fully engulfed yet? Heroic and a little crazy at the same time - that's my man!
He knew it was the dogs because he heard the barking inside. He actually had to coax them out meaning he was in the house for at least a minute or two. Plus, he even carred out the turtle acquarium. What a great guy.
I saw that on the news last nite Jeff. I wasn't sure where in the Heights that happened cuz I never heard any fire trucks. Damn good of that man to save the doggies. BTW the lot will probably be worth more than the house itself!
Considering this particular house, you are absolutely correct. I just hope Perry Homes doesn't come in and try to stick three houses on a lot can barely hold one at the moment.
Jeff, Has anyone asked why this person left town with a house full of dogs including 2 from the Dallas area? I find this to be the most disturbing part.
Actually, two of the residents were in town but were just not at home. One guy works for the police department. I'll admit that it is a rather odd arrangement in the rent house with two guys and one woman plus a child. The house has never been particularly well kept up or anything, but they have always seemed like nice people to me.
