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Cape Dog Helps Save Neighbor From House Fire

CENTERVILLE (CBS) -- Chowder, a 2-year-old Jack Russell terrier, is easy on the eyes, though not always on the ears. His bark is sharp and loud and Wednesday morning around 4:30, it meant business.

"This morning he was kind of going crazy," said his owner Richard Carlino, who awoke to Chowder clawing at his chest. "He was barking waking me up as he was clawing at me, it was like what do you want?"

WBZ-TV's Peg Rusconi reports.

When the Carlinos woke up and looked out the window, they saw heavy black smoke pouring from the house next door.

Diana Carlino went outside and found the elderly resident disoriented.

"The smoke was just pouring from both sides. I yelled for him to call 9-1-1 and grabbed her. She was... clutching the door for dear life. When (Richard) carried her back inside we looked at the front window and flames just blew out of it."

According to statement from the Centerville Fire Department, injuries to the resident were not life threatening. The fire is under investigation and is not believed to be suspicious.

The Carlinos describe Chowder as high energy. They admit the bark can be annoying.

"Little dog with a big attitude," said Diana.

And a big bark that, Wednesday morning, might have saved a life.

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