WI ​Good Samaritan Who Saved Dog From House Fire Given PETA Award

WAUWATOSA, WI — The Wauwatosa man who made headlines last week for saving a blind senior dog from a house fire caught the attention of PETA, one of the most fervent animal protections organizations, and is now an award-winning good samaritan.

Joe Loduha was named a recipient of the organization's Compassionate Action Award for his heroics.

The fire broke out last Tuesday near 68th Street and Terrace Court while Loduha was headed to a nearby remodeling job. Patch reported at the time that the passerby-turned-local-hero then decided to head toward the smoke.

After he arrived at the house, Loduha asked if anyone was inside the home and was met with a chorus of "I don't know, I don't know" from the neighbors.

With three swift kicks, Loduha kicked in the glass on the front door and made his way inside the home, where he found Darma the dog.

The rescuer scooped up the dog and reunited her with her owner.

PETA Vice President Colleen O'Brien said in a statement that she hopes people everywhere will look to Loduha's heroics whenever they see an animal in need.

Related: Former EMT Saves Dog From Burning House In Wauwatosa

"Joe Loduha risked his own life to save a dog he'd never met," O'Brien said. "He is a hero, and PETA hopes his selflessness will inspire people everywhere to do whatever it takes to help an animal in need."

A framed Compassionate Action Award certificate was on its way to Loduha as of Monday, along with a box of vegan cookies, PETA said in a news release. In addition, a GoFundMe campaign has been created to help Darma and her owner with rebuilding expenses.

"I don't think I did anything that anyone else wouldn't have done," Loduha said in a statement. "All I knew was that as soon as I heard there was a dog inside, I had to get in there. I am a huge dog lover."