Blind Dog Saves Family From Burning House
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January 27, 2003 - Man's best friend sometimes turns out to be much more than just a friend. Sometimes the family dog can be a lifesaver. That's what happened over the weekend in Whiting, Indiana. A dog named "Skeeter" woke up Leonard and Deanna Bane just as a fire was engulfing their home. That's not all– Skeeter also happens to be blind.
"A lot of people wanted us to have her put to sleep because she's blind … but, I would never. I could never do that," said Deanna Bane, who says if she had followed their advice, she might not be alive.
"I wouldn't be here."
Deanna Bane and her husband, Leonard, are alive today because of Skeeter– a 16-year-old Australian blue-healer that has been totally blind for three years. But over this past weekend her sense of smell took over and she saved lives.
The fire happened around 10:30 p.m. Saturday. Lots of flame, lots of smoke and the Banes probably only had a few minutes to get away. Along came Skeeter.
"We were sound asleep," said Deanna. And some time later she started — she's blind and she started hitting her head against the bed and whining. I kept telling her to lay down and then whenever I came fully awake I realized I could see that my living room was totally lit up."
The Banes dressed in their pajamas, picked up Skeeter and carried the blind dog to safety.
"We didn't have much time. We wouldn't have made it out," said Deanna.
They say Skeeter is a very intelligent dog so in a sense they're not surprised at all by what she did.
"She's been a wonderful dog. Because she's blind, yes. You know, I'm surprised at her senses, I guess, that they're really sharp."
The Banes are staying with friends until their home can be repaired and Skeeter is getting ready for her favorite reward.
"She'll get some steak now," said Deanna. "Plenty of it. As much as she can hold."
The Banes now are counting their blessings for the dog days of winter.
