Pearl Carlson was shaken awake at 3 :30 a.m.
by a forceful pull. King, the family dog, was trying to pull her out of bed. Then she smelled smoke and heard the sound of fire from her parents' room. PearPs shouting awaked her mother, Fern, and father, Howard.
Howard had recently been in a hospital for lung disease. Fern helped Howard to a firstfloor window, told him to climb out, and then ran to her daughter.
Still inside. King appeared at Pearl's window, making squeaking sound.
When she ran toward Pearl's bedroom, Fern realized her husband hadn't yet escaped.
She made her way back through the smoke and fire.
Following King's sound, she found Howard lay on the floor. Fern helped him get outside.
King came out only after both were safe.
At daybreak, the Carlsons saw that King's entire body was badly burned.
His chain collar had gotten so hot that it burned his throat.
He couldn't bark normally now.
Only after the sevenyearold dog refused food did they find pieces of wood in his mouth.
They realized thatt King, who slept outside, had bitten through a wood door to warn his family.