To save his beloved dog this man risked everything

Pooch trapped in fire

Last March, in the blaze consuming their home in Pala, San Diego (California), Jose Guzman, his wife and three daughters lost almost all their possessions. This included the tools he uses for work, but he could have lost something even more precious. Guzman didn’t hesitate to rush back into the flames, ignoring firefighters, to save his 2-year-old pitbull, Gabanna, who was still in the house.

Jose Guzman told People magazine that he doesn’t regret his crazy decision: ‘I knew something could’ve happened to me, or both of us, but it didn’t go through my mind at the time,’ Jose told People:

That dog is part of my family. She’s been with us through downs and ups and I couldn’t leave her there. I would do it again if I had to; I would do it for anybody in my family.

A risk worth taking

Jose’s decision to risk his life has been praised by dog-lovers around the world, after a video of the dramatic rescue went viral. In the video Jose can be seen rushing past firefighters, and then hesitating for a moment before running into the blaze. The fire crew then huddle, discussing whether to go in after him. He then emerges with his dog shortly after.

Jose was apparently injured because of his actions; as he checks his arm afterwards for burns he can be heard saying 'Ow!', while someone says 'Hey, he got hurt, man!' Another onlooker expresses his surprise, saying 'He [expletive] rescued his dog, he went in for that …' before the footage cuts out.

Check out the video above, the moment when Jose risked his life to save his pet from the fire.