Dog Risks Life to Be With Owner in Fire

Here's a story from the Chicago Sun Times today. There is NOTHING like the unconditional love of a dog. If you don't have a dog, you're missing one of life's greatest gifts. Here's the story:DOG ON MEND FROM FATAL FIRE
November 14, 2008 BY DAN ROZEK Chicago Sun Times Staff Reporter (Photo: Richard A. Chapman/Sun-Times)
Regis is on the road to recovery, but he's not there yet, said the veterinarian treating the 13-year-old mixed-breed dog that survived a Cicero house fire after his owner refused to flee the burning home without him.
Regis' owner, 68-year-old John Petrik died of heart disease and smoke inhalation after being removed from his home early Wednesday by firefighters.
Regis is being treated for injuries at the A American Veterinary Hospital in Oak Park. Petrik initially refused to leave without his beloved dog, which was rescued later by firefighters -- though the 55-pound German shepherd mix suffered smoke inhalation and a burned tail.
On Thursday, Regis showed signs of improvement -- including resuming eating -- but he was still having difficulty walking, possibly because of the smoke he inhaled, said Cesar Agustin, the Oak Park veterinarian treating him for his injuries. "He's much better, but he's not 100 percent yet," said Agustin, who added he was "highly optimistic" the dog would recover.
The dog was given oxygen treatment and antibiotics, along with a salve for his burned tail, though Agustin is still awaiting the results of blood tests to see if he suffered internal injuries. Regis also was treated for fleas.