Puppy Receives PETA Award After Alerting Family to Gas Leak

Heroic Rescued Mutt Saves the Lives of the Family That Saved His

For Immediate Release:
March 14, 2014

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382

“As cliché as it sounds, the life you save may save yours,” said Grosse Pointe Woods resident Tim McLarty, referring to his 3-month-old mutt, Hunter, whom he and his wife, Jill, adopted from the Michigan Humane Society in February. That’s because on March 5, Hunter’s incessant whining woke Jill at midnight. After being taken outside, he continued whining and eventually led Jill to the kitchen, where he sat down in front of the gas stove. That’s when she noticed that a burner—with no flame—had been left on for about six hours.

For his persistence in alerting the McLartys and their three children to what could have been a disaster, Hunter will receive a Heroic Mutt Award from PETA.

“Dogs are more than our best friends—as Hunter demonstrated, they’re our family members and our heroes,” says PETA Senior Vice President Daphna Nachminovitch. “PETA hopes Hunter’s tenacity and care will inspire people to head to their local animal shelter because they’re all full of lovable, wonderful mutts just like Hunter.”

PETA is sending Hunter a framed certificate and a “doggie” bag containing an eco-friendly squeaky toy, a Nylabone, a comfortable harness to wear on walks, and a box of vegan dog treats.

PETA’s gift basket is an acknowledgment of the many rewards of sharing our lives with animal companions—and the importance of valuing their devotion by becoming the best guardians possible. The group encourages anyone with the time, willingness, ability, and resources to care for a dog properly to adopt from a shelter, rather than contributing to the homeless-animal crisis by buying from a breeder or a pet store.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.