Toy poodle proves he is a lifesaver by helping to rescue man from burning home

WEST JORDAN, Utah (AP) - Authorities say a toy poodle saved a life in Utah by leading firefighters through his owner's smoke-filled home to a man asleep in the basement.

The Salt Lake Tribune reports that the dog named Ted was spotted by paramedics responding to the fire in West Jordan early Friday. Officials say that when they tried to catch Ted to bring him outside, he headed downstairs instead.

They say he waited until they caught up with him, then led them to a 19-year-old man who was sleeping on a couch in the basement.

Authorities say the man was treated for smoke inhalation and the dog was not injured. A woman and two children had already escaped the fire, which was possibly caused by a gas leak.

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Information from: The Salt Lake Tribune, http://www.sltrib.com

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press