A dramatic house fire in Citrus Heights, Calif., nearly claimed the life of Melissa Hoffman, but her loyal dog, Maya, might have been the reason she survived. The eight-year-old pit bull mix bravely protected her owner during the blaze, which broke out on August 15.
Melissa, 64, who had been bedridden following a stroke in February, was unable to move when the fire started. Maya’s heroic actions were pivotal in saving her life. “The dog was found laying on top of the victim’s torso,” said Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District Battalion Chief Parker Wilbourn.
So that prevented major burn injuries to her chest and her torso area that could have been life-threatening.”
Firefighters, responding to the emergency, used a bedroom window to rescue Melissa while an unconscious Maya was also carried out. Despite their efforts, the family’s cat, Misty, perished in the fire. The Hoffmans were gifted a new kitten, named Marlee the Miracle, by the breeder of their lost pet.
David Hoffman and his 8-year-old pit bull mix, Maya, are greeted by Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District. Photo by Chris Biderman
David Hoffman, Melissa’s husband, recalled the dramatic rescue, noting Maya’s steadfast presence. “My wife calls her ‘Sweet Pea,’” David said. “The dog’s with my wife 24/7. The dog is present all the time. And when the fire happened, the dog didn’t leave my wife’s side.”
Both Melissa and Maya suffered severe burns from the fire. Melissa is receiving treatment at the UC Davis Firefighters Burn Institute Regional Burn Center and is expected to be hospitalized until November. Maya, who endured burns to 20% of her body and respiratory issues from smoke inhalation, was recently reunited with her veterinary team and the firefighters who fought the blaze.
The Veterinary Specialty Hospital in Roseville, which treated Maya since the fire, announced it would cover the cost of her $7,000 treatment. Nicole Orlando, the hospital’s director, expressed the hospital’s desire to help, saying, “We knew her care was going to (cost) thousands, and we wanted to be part of helping them through that loss.”
We just wanted to do something good. Everybody needs a break every once in a while.”
Maya’s reunion with her rescuers and veterinary team was a heartwarming moment. She was seen wearing a protective jacket to shield her burns, as she continues her recovery. David Hoffman expressed his gratitude, saying, “It was very kind of them to take care of our dog, to get her back to health. It’s just an act of human kindness.”
Dr. Nicole McArthur, who cared for Maya, revealed that the dog’s loyalty extended further. “(Maya) also suffered burns to her mouth and tongue, likely because she was licking her owner,” she said. Maya’s survival was aided by the use of an oxygen mask administered by the Rescue 21 firefighters at the scene.
Sources: The Sacramento Bee | KCRA
