The apartment is engulfed in flames as the owner sleeps, the dog saves lives

The apartment is engulfed in flames as the owner sleeps, the dog saves lives

The Pomeranian breed dog rescued its owner from a fire that engulfed the apartment Monday evening.

George Rutonski, the owner of Gucci, was asleep in his apartment on the outskirts of Sydney when the blaze broke out.

He was awakened by the sound of 2-year-old dog barking and smoke.

With the help of neighbors Rutonski and Gucci came out safe from the burning apartment.

The 58-year-old was taken to hospital and attributes saving his dog's life.

“As they say, a man's best friend is his dog,” Rutonski told Seven News.

He lost everything by the fire.

“I don't think he would be alive if it wasn't for his dog,” added his neighbor Fred Sukker.

Much of the house Rutonski rented was demolished and the roof partially demolished.

The fire is thought to have started from a cigarette or candle left in the room.

The apartment is engulfed in flames as the owner sleeps, the dog saves lives