WILBUR WONDER 

Irish rescue pup hailed hero after saving family from house fire

• 11:01, 13 Sep 2022
• Updated: 11:01, 13 Sep 2022

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A DOG has been hailed a hero after saving his family from a horror house fire.

Wilbur, a one-year-old Rhodesian Ridgeback rescue pooch, began barking to make it known about the blaze, helping to rescue his owners.

When his adopters heard the usually quiet dog barking frantically, they immediately knew something was wrong.

Thanks to Wilbur’s noise his family soon realised that their house was quickly burning down.

Waking up from the loud barking, they were then able to safely leave the property before it was too late. 

Speaking about the frightening event, Wilbur’s adopter said: “It’s really quite simple, Wilbur saved both me and my son’s life.

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“If it wasn’t for the fact he barked until I woke to alert us something was wrong, I would never have known the house was on fire until it was too late.

“He is undoubtedly a hero in our eyes and forever our most loyal friend.”

Wilbur was surrendered to Dogs Trust Ireland in December of last year when he was a puppy.

His previous owners realised that he wasn’t the Spaniel cross that they thought he was.

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He was adopted January 2022 by his current owners, who credit him for saving their life.

Now, he is one and lives happily with his forever family after his stay at Dogs Trust Ireland.

Assistant Manager at Dogs Trust Ireland, Sandra Ruddell said: “Wilbur’s family gave him a second chance in life by adopting him, and in turn he saved their lives and their home.

“We are so grateful that everyone is okay, and that the family and Wilbur could get to safety.

“Rhodesian Ridgebacks were originally bred for their bravery and to protect the family home, so it’s no surprise that Wilbur lived up to his heroic heritage.