Dying bulldog saves owner from fire

Fire comes two weeks after vet discovers dog’s cancerous tumors

Image: Scott Seymour and Brittney the bulldog

Johnny Quirin / The Grand Rapids Press

Scott Seymour says Brittney's barking awakened him Saturday morning in time for them to escape from his burning home.

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updated 7:02 p.m. ET May 25, 2009

GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan - A man's decision not to end his terminally ill bulldog's life ended up saving his own.

Scott Seymour said his dog, Brittney, awakened him with her barking early Saturday in time for both of them to escape from his burning house in Grand Rapids.

The fire came two weeks after a veterinarian discovered the 9-year-old American bulldog had several cancerous tumors.

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The vet said the dog might not survive surgery, and Seymour ruled out chemotherapy, believing it would be too hard on Brittney.

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Update: Hero dog euthanized

Seymour said he could have had Brittney put down, but instead decided to give her medication to blunt her pain until death comes naturally, probably within a few weeks.

Firefighters told The Grand Rapids Press the house may be a total loss.