Dog’s Efforts Save Family From Asphyxiation

Becky and Rich Rigdon say they meant for their Rottweiler puppy’s “protective instincts” to guard their home and two young children someday.

But “Butler” met that expectation in an unexpected way early Thursday. He alerted the sleeping family that deadly carbon monoxide was filling their home through a disconnected exhaust pipe on the 50-year-old oil furnace. The 4-month-old dog’s agitated howling woke Becky Rigdon at 3:30 a.m.

Butler apparently was bothered by the smell of sulfur in the furnace exhaust, which was very strong on the enclosed porch where he sleeps.

The dog scratched at the door had to be coaxed outside and returned inside immediately.

After he ran out again and Becky Rigdon followed, the night air cleared her senses and she realized the smell of sulfur was heavy.

Feeling nauseous and dizzy, the Rigdons gathered Ricky, 3, and Monica Mae, 1, and escaped.