Woman, Dog Fight to Stay Alive After Life-saving Jump from Fire

posted 3:40 pm Wed February 25, 2009 - WASHINGTON from ABC 7 News - woman who jumped from a third story window to escape a fire is fighting for her life, while in a nearby animal hospital, her beloved dog is struggling to make it as well.

The woman jumped from the window in Southeast D.C. Monday morning to escape a raging fire. Even though heavy smoke make it impossible to see and extremely difficult to breath, she would not leap until she had her dog in her arms.

The dog, Charlie, is in an oxygen tent, heavily medicated and constantly monitored. For three days, veterinarians have done all they can to save him.

For the first two days, Charlie slowly improved. Then today neurological complications set in, possibly from a loss of brain cells from smoke inhalation. He is gasping for breath and appears to be suffering a series of seizures.

The negative turn in his condition came as a real blow to the vets who have worked round the clock caring for him. "It's a little bit of a sinking feeling hoping that we can pull him out of this, but he's got an uphill battle," said veterinarian Hannah Minch.

Veterinarians at Friendship Animal Hospital are consulting with a neurologist. They are trying a new medication to help relieve Charlie's seizures.

Doctors are working so hard for two reasons: to save Charlie and to sooth his owner. "The owner grabbed him and the two of them jumped out of the three story window together. I know that his owner is very, very attached to him and we hope that we can get him back to her," said Minch.

Charlie's owner suffered severe smoke inhalation and broken bones when she jumped to escape the fire. The veterinarians know she is conscious and extremely worried about her dog. The also know she is a single woman who recently lost her job. Knowing the vet bills are a major concern, Friendship Animal Hospital is covering the cost of care which could run will over $5,000.

Staff at the hospital just hopes Charlie will be back to being a 1-year-old Mini-pincer soon. "It's a very, very sad complication, but we aren't giving up on him yet," said Minch.