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By Courtney Weimar, For The LCN | 0 comments
Tori, a 10-year-old golden retriever belonging to Bob and Smidge Stevens of Mount Morris, doesn’t normally bark.
But on the night of Jan. 6, Tori began making a commotion and when she threw herself against the door Bob went outside to find that their Main Street home was on fire.
The dog’s actions alerted the couple, who were able to escape unharmed. The home suffered significant damage, though members of the Mount Morris Fire Department were able to save three containers of family photos.
On April 9, the Fire Department surprised the Stevens’ by recognizing the dog’s heroism with a special award during a ceremony at the firehall. The department used an article written by Bob Stevens as the excuse for securing the couple’s attendance at the firehall. Tori was also in attendance.
Representatives from the fire department presented the Stevens and Tori with a frame that contained a plaque and two department badges.
In a thank you note to the department after the fire, Smidge Stevens said “You’re truly heroes and your dedication is inspiring.”
The couple has even offered to hold a gratitude picnic when they are able to return home.
The Stevens family got their “faithful baby” at 3 months of age. While the couple admits to spoiling Tori, Smidge joked, “she is even more spoiled now.”
Livingston County Office of Emergency Management Director Kevin Niedermaier said the fire spread “from the rear porch inwards to the kitchen, causing severe fire damage and smoke and heat damage to the rest of the downstairs.” |
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