A DOG has helped saved the life of its disabled owner after fire broke out at a house in Co Limerick.
Ms Nuala O'Shea (50), from Morenane, Askeaton, who suffers from arthritis, was awakened at 3 a.m. yesterday by the barking of her pet elkhound, Prince, which sleeps outside.
Ms O'Shea said she would not have awakened but for the dog. "He saved my life," she said.
The house had two smoke alarms but they were downstairs and did not detect the smoke from the upstairs fire. Ms O'Shea dialled the fire brigade and made her way, with her two other dogs, Max and Skippy, to the yard. The house was destroyed, and yesterday Ms O'Shea was staying with her brother.
This is the second time Prince has alerted Ms O'Shea to danger. Last November a fire broke out in her garage.
It is believed yesterday's fire was caused by an electrical fault.