Outpouring of Support for Man Who Lost Home, Dog

Scott Dunn's dog, Duncan, proved the analogy "man's best friend" true when he saved his owner from a Northeast Cobb house .

Dunn’s home, located in the Blackwell community near Chastain and Canton roads, . The blaze destroyed the brick ranch house.

Dunn told the AJC that he fell asleep on the sofa with Duncan after watching the kickoff of the Monday night football game.

“Duncan was covered up with me, and I fell asleep, and the next thing I knew, he was poking at me and barking,” Dunn told the AJC. “Normally, that means he needs to go out, but when I woke up, I couldn’t see because there was smoke.”

Dunn scrambled to dress. He grabbed his truck keys and cell phone, took Duncan by the collar, and ran out of the burning house.

Duncan's collar came off, which Dunn didn't notice until outside of the home. He called Duncan, but the dog was frightened and remained inside the home.

Dunn wanted to rescue Duncan, but the door was too hot and he couldn’t go inside, the AJC reported.

Duncan’s body was later found by firefighters, reportedly curled up on Dunn’s bed.

"You wouldn’t recognize him, but I still leaned down, gave him a hug and gave him a kiss, and four or five of the fire department guys started crying, but I wasn’t going to let my boy go out like that,” Dunn said. “That’s my boy.”

Denell Boyd, public relations coordinator for Cobb County Fire and Emergency Services, said officials haven’t determined what caused the fire.

Dunn, a subcontractor who does remodeling, said his gas had been cut off about a month ago. He had been sleeping in the living room and using a space heater during the recent cold weather.

Dunn, whose throat is sore and voice hoarse due to smoke inhalation, told Northeast Cobb Patch Wednesday morning, "I'm staying with a neighbor until I can figure things out."

A fund for donations has not yet been set up for Dunn. Cards and donations can be sent to, or left at, his home address of 607 Joel Drive, Marietta, GA 30066.

Check back with Northeast Cobb Patch for updated information about Dunn and where donations can be sent.