Updated 9:45 a.m.
Fire crews assisted the homeowner in burying Duncan before they left the scene, paramedic Lt. Joseph D. Bryant told Northeast Cobb Patch in an email.
Flames engulfed the house when firefighters arrives this morning, and the fire remains under investigation, said Bryant, who's with the Fire Department's Special Operations Division.
Original Report
A heroic dog saved his owner from a Northeast Cobb house fire but died in the blaze on Joel Drive early today, WSB-TV reported.
The blaze destroyed the brick ranch house. The fire started around 3:30 a.m. at 607 Joel Dr., 11 Alive News reported.
Lt. Mike Bell said flames were coming out of every window and shooting through the roof when the fire engines arrived, and firefighters were still putting out hotspots at 6 a.m.
The fire started in the center of the house, where the homeowner said he had a space heater running, WSB reported.
The only casualty was Duncan, the boxer who awoke his owner of four years while the fire raged.
The owner said Duncan barked to wake him and save him from the flames but then refused to budge as the owner tried to pull him outside, WSB reported.
Return to Northeast Cobb Patch for updates.
"When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to the Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together..."
Thank you
For now, donations can be sent or dropped off at Scott Dunn's home address of 607 Joel Drive, Marietta, Ga 30066. The postal service is still delivering to the address. Neighbors plan to set up a bank account or post office box for donations, but to my knowledge it has not been done yet.
Scott Dunn P.O. Box 103, Marietta, GA 30061 A fund has also been set up at Wells Fargo Bank for Scott. It's called the 'Scott Dunn Donation Fund.' To donate, just go in person to any Wells Fargo branch. Friends set up the P.O. box for delivery by mail. Please forward to any of your friends who might be interested in helping Scott.
Stupidly on the huffingtonpost site there's a couple of trolls attacking Scott in the most vicious libelous slander I've ever seen, absolutely astounds me how some people are.
People can speculate what they would do in such a situation. It is easy for anyone not there to look back at a time of such panic and uncertainty and pass judgment. Scott has suffered a loss that we hope and wish never happens. Unless someone has walked in his shoes, no one can pass judgment.