Bryan Smith has pictures of his dog in his coat pocket, a reminder of the pet that sacrificed itself to save him from his burning house.

It was Tuesday night when Storm jumped on the slumbering Smith and alerted him to the growing smoke and flames outside his bedroom.

Smith says he grabbed his curtains, wet them for a mask and grabbed his puppy Daisy while the older dog ran ahead.

It was the last time Smith saw Storm.

The man ran to a neighbor's home to call the Fire Department and noticed too late that Storm had not escaped.

Smith says he nearly lost his own life going back for Storm. Two Carter Lake firefighters had to pull him out the back door, where he collapsed while trying to save his pet.

"I know it was stupid, but ... people with pets understand," he said.

Smith is mourning the loss of Storm but also is counting his blessings. His childhood home was insured, the garage was saved and his children were staying overnight with a relative.

[yahoo]