Firefighters rescue dogs from home

MIAMI (WSVN) -- A South Florida woman is thanking firefighters after they rushed into a burning building to save her beloved pets.

Miami Fire Rescue responded to the fire at about 10 p.m. Wednesday on Northwest 41st Street and 17th Avenue. The homeowner, Marcia Papon, was at work at the time.

With a son away at college, Papon lives with her two remaining "children:" Leo and Chachi. The dogs were in danger last night when fire erupted while "mom" was away at work.

She rushed home after receiving a call from her neighbor and was clearly relieved to see her pets safe and sound. "I said, 'Fire, fire, fire! Come on home," said Vivian Riggins. "'Ain't time to talk or say nothing. All you need to hear is fire, fire, fire, come on home.'"

Firefighters said the dogs were found hiding under a bed. "They're fine, he's nervous; that's why he's barking," said Papon. "Everything is fine."

With both dogs safe and sound, Papon turned her attention to the men who made this family reunion possible. "I'm blessed, and these guys were my blessing," she said.

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