BALTIMORE, Md. – A baby in Baltimore is alive after a flames encompassed her home thanks to the heroic efforts of the family’s pet dog.
The 8-month-old girl, Viviana, is currently in serious condition but alive, reports WBAL NBC affiliate.
A Baltimore City Fire Department spokesperson told WBAL they arrived at the house to find the two story rowhome in flames with heavy smoke trailing from both floors. The mother of Viviana, Erika Poremski, says she stepped out to her car for a moment, then turned around to find her home on fire.
“I just heard her crying and I couldn't get to her," Poremski told WBAL. "I tried really hard, everyone in the neighborhood tried. They were kicking the doors in and kicking the windows out. I couldn't (get her out). Nobody could."
After discovering that the infant was still in the home, firefighters rushed inside to save her from the second floor. When they found Viviana, she was being shielded from the flames by the family’s dog, Polo, reports WBAL.
Poremski says her daughter only suffered from burns to one side thanks to the dog’s protection.
"She only had burns on her side because of it," Poremski told WBAL. "He stayed with her the whole time in the bedroom and wouldn't even come downstairs to get out the door."
WBAL went on to report that Baltimore firefighters were able to revive Viviana who had severe burns on her face, arm and side.
Unfortunately, the little hero, Polo, did not survive.
"He was my first baby and now I lost him," Poremski told WBAL. "And I'm just praying I don't lose her. She's all I have and it just happened so fast, I just don't understand it. I just don't know why this stuff happens."
Viviana is still in serious condition, but being monitored every day. No other injuries were reported but the cause of the fire is still investigation, reports WBAL.
Those interested in helping the family can donate here.
