Hero Dog Saves St. Louis Family from Burning Home, Is Very Good Girl

A St. Louis area dog is being hailed as a hero after saving its entire family from a house fire.

River, a black Labrador retriever who spends her time living with the Beaudreau family in south county, became very agitated early Sunday morning, poking and barking at a sleeping Lauren Beaudreau around 2 a.m.

“I’m thinking, ‘What a pain in the butt. What’s wrong with you, dog?'” she tells KSDK.

After trying in vain to appease the pup by letting her outside and giving her some food, Beaudreau woke up her husband Matt, and the two set to work trying to figure out what all the fuss was about.

It didn't take long to ascertain that the trouble was in the garage, which they discovered was engulfed in fire after opening the door.

"Flames and black smoke and immediately slammed the door,” Matt says.

The couple then rushed to gather their two boys and one daughter — and River, of course — and quickly ran outside, where they watched their home burn. According to KMOV, all made it to safety before the windows of the house blew out.

Naturally, the family is glad for the heroic pup's timely warning.

"River is a hero," Laura says. "She was sent like a guardian angel. She saved our lives.”

If you happen to see her out on the town this week, give this very good dog a bone, or at least a pat on the head — she definitely deserves it. And while you're at it, maybe give some cash to the Beaudreau family as well.