This past Thursday, February 23, Freddie Bonacci found himself in a dire situation. In the early morning hours, Bonacci was fast asleep, with not a single clue hinting at the fact that his house in Ponca Hills, Nebraska, was being engulfed by flames. And if it wasn't for his beloved dog, Coco, he never would have known at all.
An unexpected fire, starting from the home's patio and quickly spreading into the attic and ceiling, broke out while Bonacci was asleep.
The man, who takes medication to help him sleep, had recently survived a stroke and is battling cancer.
He had no idea that the flames were creeping through his house, steadily making their way toward him.
Then Coco acted.
"She was jumping and acting strange,” Bonacci recalls.
If it hadn't been for Coco, Bonacci may have kept on sleeping with no clue as to the danger around him. He did not wake until Coco frantically began to jump and act out to try and get his attention.
"She saved me,” Bonacci says. “I'm thankful for my dog.”
Firefighters were contacted, and though the home was scorched, they were able to save the family cat as well as some priceless heirlooms, including Bonacci's American flag.
Bonacci is a retired veteran of the U.S. military.
Bonacci's daughter Melissa is convinced that if it wasn't for Coco, their story would be much more tragic, but they are looking forward to rebuilding and coming back stronger than before.
"We're really thankful we have Coco,” Melissa says. “She is a lifesaver.”
Please SHARE the heroic efforts of Coco the dog on Facebook!
