Puppy saves owner's daughter from a fire in General Santos City

A fire disrupted a peaceful night in Barangay Calumpang in General Santos City last week.

From the flames emerged a hero that goes by the name Princess—a dog owned by a resident named Ruel!

According to a report on "Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho," the fire sparked from a hut that's three houses down from his family's home.

"Nagising po ako non ng alas dos ng madaling araw," he said. "[Si Princess], nagtatahol. May nasusunog! Pinakawalan ko na agad siya. Tumakbo ako papunta sa kabilang bahay. Tumulong ako sa pagpatay ng apoy."

("I was woken up at 2 a.m. because our dog kept barking. There was a fire! I freed Princess and ran out to help put out the fire.")

Ruel's mother, his wife and their two children were able to evacuate quickly.
But even then, Princess didn't stop barking.

It turned out that Ruel's four-year-old child Jayzam was still fast asleep.

"Pinuntahan [ni Princess] si Sam," Ruel said. "Pagdating ko sa kwarto, kinuha ko si Sam."

"Nagpapasalamat ako sa aso ko na sinalba niya 'yung anak ko. Kasi kung wala 'yun, mawawala talaga 'yung bata," he added.

("Our dog, Princess, ran to Sam. Because of Princess, I was able to save my child.")

The problem, however, was that Princess got stuck in the house.

"Pagtingin ko, wala na nakasunod 'yung aso ko. Tatlong beses ako pabalik-balik pero di ko siya nakita. Natulala na ako. Hindi ko na alam kung saan ako pupunta."

("When I turned, Princess was nowhere to be found. I kept going back and forth, but I couldn't see our dog.)

Despite this, Ruel attempted to rescue Princess thrice. However, he could no longer find her.

Eventually, he could no longer go back inside the burning and crumbling house.

"Masakit po sa damdamin," he said.

("It hurts.")

"May vitamins 'yan siya. May gatas, may dog food. May sariling electric fan. Parang anak talaga 'yung treatment," he added. "Malambing, pag-uwi ko galing trabaho, para bang gigil siya na pumunta sa akin. Tatakbo-takbo 'yan siya. Tapos nilalagay niya 'yung ulo niya sa dito ko. Bright siya. Pagtinuruan mo, mabilis siya matuto. Mag-sign of the cross kami, 'pag sabi ko na 'In Jesus name, amen,' diyan lang siya magsisimulang kumain."

("Princess is like a daughter to us. She even has her own electric fan! When I'd come home from work, she'd happily greet me. She was so teachable too. She wouldn't touch her food until we finished praying.")

Jayzam is likewise attached to Princess. Ruel said they're practically like siblings, who often play together.

It took three hours before the fire was contained. The only thing that survived the flames were speakers.

But then at almost five in the morning, a miracle came in the form of Princess—alive and breathing!

The dog, however, didn't make it out unscathed.

"Sunog na siya," Ruel said. "'Yung kamay, katawan. Masaya ako. Kasi kahit sunog na siya, maagapan pa. Niyakap ko siya at dinala ko siya sa city vet."

("She had burns all over. But even then, I felt so happy, because we could get her treated. I immediately went to the city vet.")

Princess suffered third degree burns on her face and feet. Her ear was also severely injured.

Currently, the dog is confined at the Pet Care Hospital. A week after the fire, her face is still swollen and she still has wounds on her feet.

Fresh from a debilitating disaster, Ruel and his family are worrying about how to cover the costs.

Fortunately, animal rescue group Heart of Paws is more than willing to help.
Dr. Josie Mariano, chairman of Heart of Paws in General Santos City, shared that Princess demonstrated unconditional love.

"She could have run away eh. Pero nag-kick ang kanyang instinct to save. We really feel not only yung compassion for Princess but also a sense of admiration."

("She could've run away. But her instinct to save kicked in.")

Meanwhile, Jayzam hasn't had the chance to visit Princess since the ordeal.

The KMJS team accompanied her for a visit to the pet hospital, where a touching reunion took place.

"Pagaling ka, Princess. Naawa akong tingnan siya. Love talaga namin 'to. Parang anak ko na rin kasi," Ruel said.

("It pains me to see her in such a state. We really love Princess and treat her like our own child.")

According to the report, the fire caused P250,000 worth of damages, affecting nine families. Authorities have yet to identify the source.

As for Princess, she has cemented herself as a big hero—in fact, the city vet wants to give her an honor once she's discharged.

For those who wish to help Princess and her family, please deposit to:

BDO UNIBANK INC – MAKAR BRANCH
ACCOUNT NAME: RUEL D DELA FUENTE JR
ACCOUNT NUMBER: 010760090092

—JCB, GMA Integrated News