
There’s a Southern saying that “He’s never met a stranger.”
Firefighters are some of the most important and courageous members of our society. Not only do they risk their own lives, but they are responsible for heroically saving the lives of others.
And while not all of their duties are life-or-death — as with these firefighters who created an American flag out of an old fire hose — much of their work is both serious and important.
This is the truth for a dog-turned-firefighter in Hanahan, South Carolina.
Jake was only a 3 week-old puppy when he was rescued from a burning shed by Bill Lindler, a firefighter from the local fire department. With 50 to 75 percent of his body covered in burns, Jake had a rough beginning and an unpredictable future.
Bill Lindler
But, Bill decided to adopt Jake because he found so much value in everything Jake been through. “I knew this little guy was gonna need a good little lovin’ home,” Bill shares.
Bill Lindler
From this, Jake and Bill developed an inseparable bond. “You’re not going to get ‘em apart for too long before he starts barking,” a firefighter comments. A friendship takes effort to make, but a best friendship takes intentional time and dedication to grow.
Soon after Jake’s treatments were completed, Bill brought the young Pitbull to the fire department.
Bill Lindler
Immediately, Jake’s character overflowed to those around him, giving him a special place in each of his fellow firefighters’ hearts. Jake is “a people person,” one admits, and he “can’t let anybody walk in the house without wanting to greet him.”
Jake not only became a friend to the firefighters at the house, but also a model to those around him. “Even with all the burns, he was just so happy and so friendly, and it was just nice to have him around… He’s just real good for morale” says James Durham.
Having suffered burns over 70 percent of his body, Jake’s recovery would take several weeks. But Lindler was there to make sure it wasn’t a road the puppy would have to face alone.
Bill Lindler
As Jake grew stronger, and his burns began to heal, Lindler began bringing Jake along with him for his shifts at the fire station.
He fit right in.
Bill Lindler
As a result, the Fire Chief, Mayor, and Town Administrator have titled Jake as an honorary firefighter, and the official mascot of the Fire Department.
Bill Lindler
“He’s just real good for morale.”
Jake’s circumstances never stopped him from becoming the loving and friendly dog he is today, and he has been a continuous encouragement to Bill and his friends at the firehouse.
“No matter what happens, he’s always there,” a firefighter mentions.
Jake has warmed the hearts of many, and to everyone he meets, he treats them like a friend.
“I couldn’t imagine life right now without him because He has become such a huge part of my life.” Bill says.
What do you think of this amazing fireman and pit bull duo? Let us know in the comments!
Please SHARE this beautiful rescue story with friends and family!
Susan Beesley
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Finally, a great story!! Thank you guys!
Rose Marie
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Great story,up lifting,very loving
Angela Davis-Matthews
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I cant thank you enough Bill for saving and giving Jake a second chance of life. May Jesus blessed and keep you both safe from evil and fire
Contessa Lynne
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William Lindler
Denelda Starnes
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Wonderful story !! glad your lovely dog got a lovng furever home with you He is so beautiful , loyal loving sweet boy !
Barbara Shelton
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AWSOME STORY. Thank God for firefightets. They are our heroes. Thank God for firefighters. I know my son is a fireman for 21 years. He’s my hero. God Bless all Fireman.
Jo Anne Smith
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Thank you for rescuing this sweet puppy and adopting him.
Cesar Martinez
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God bless dog and cat paople
Pamela Forster
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♡
Terri Knudsen
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A good man.
Diana Vas
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He sure has a great Daddy,plus all the firemen play with him,I didn’t realize how bad his burns were.Little you will heal sweet baby,and you are not alone,love you baby.Nana that’s me sends hugs and kisses for you .
Debbie Dunlap Stogner
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Fantastic story. God bless.
Bonnie J. Hodgson
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Thank you for saving this handsome furbaby. It appears that you not only saved him from having the pain one love that he needed to recover. You should feel like you are a hero for what you have done. Well done
James Arnett
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Wonderful story .. thank you for caring for Jake .. we can see good things coming from this already .. arnetts
Wayne Hines
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Kitty…Beautiful story.
Jamye Ryan
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What a lovely story. There’s nothing like having a dog for a best friend! I had a little dog that road on my shoulder everywhere I went she was sweet and friendly like jake!
Keeley Means
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You can look at this man and see a kind face. I love our Military, Police, Firefighting anyone working for the public and their safety. I think
Its a calling for them. They never get the credit they they deserve. This was such a touching story.
I of course love all animals, they are so
Innocent. What this man did was heroic
In my eyes. He saves
this sweet puppy, then
when the owners turn
their back, he picks up
the bill and puppy. This is one lucky dog. I
think it was meant to be.
I Truly think you are a hero, and I thank you for putting your life on the line to save other.
It what you give in life
not take, so thank you
for your time, service and dedication. “Warrior” need more like you.
Judy Moltz
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The world needs more perfect
Judy Moltz
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The world needs more people like this firefighter and less about role like the owners who lope ft this beauty ful
Judy Moltz
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Thank you for caring about this beautiful dog.
Charles Mchose
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Great big love story….nice.
Amy McGaughey
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Jessica Anderson
Lis Lundahl Hørgaard
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Wonderful couple ! May you have a lucky life together ❤️❤️❤️
Pauline Lane
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Lovely…
Bany Khuu
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God bless you to
Barbara Pyatt
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He should be called lucky so pleased you have him
Val Milnes
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Just shows that Pit Bulls have a heart, poor little soul went through such a lot. #EndBSL
Debra Smith
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Awesome story. Thank you for saving Jake❤️
Cathy Pullum
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Lucky little guy, everybody wins!
Gayle Fusco
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Great job
Sandra Goodwin
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Chanda N Dave Hollingshead
Brenda Wainman-Crozier
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Great respect
Ben Murmu
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Thanks to this firefighter.. Big heart
Virve Kann Lockie
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Love your story especially the happy ending. Long life to both of you.
Mickey Ferrera
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What terrific man to do what he did and all firefighters now they have the dog to give them in return
Penny Raffan
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Some people just go to the enth degree, helping, treating, caring for & loving an animal in such distress. His burns have gradually healed over a long period. Thank you so much for this very caring fireman, going above & beyond!!!
Sharon Gehrman-Driscoll
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What a HERO! Thank you
Constance King
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Awesome!
Alice Long Juliano
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Nice story to share, especially since
Pit Bulls have such a bad reputation.
Carol Putman
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Such a beautiful story! Once again proof that pitbulls are not all vicious killers.
Pam AndGerald
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Thank you you have a kind snd loving heart you went beyond your duty and services
Elaine Green-Pereira
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What a lovely story hope you both have a good future ahead
Bonnie Jean
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Such a heartwarming story. <3
Frances Letner
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Wonderful
Diana Collins
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Thank you for saving him
Jerry Rabinowitz
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Beautiful puppy
Marie
Charlene RIchards
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Such a cute lil pit
Evelyn Meade
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Thank you!
Fayne Korb
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What a Wonderful Story !!
Emma Wells
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Lord bless that man for saving that poor baby