Dog Dies after Saving Resident from House Fire in Street

UPDATE (6:56 p.m.)—A 79-year-old Street man narrowly escaped a Sunday night fire that destroyed his lifelong home after he was awakened by the barking of his constant companion—a dog named Shamus.

Shamus, however, did not escape the fire at a house in the 1200 block of Boyd Road. The 5-year-old black mutt died after his barks alerted Andrew T. Schmidt to the flames just minutes before escape would have been impossible for the homeowner.

Schmidt, who has lived in the house since he was born, is in critical condition at Johns Hopkins Bayview Hospital.

“Oh my gosh. It was like [Shamus] was like his child,” said Janine Bruce, a friend of Schmidt. “They were like two peas in a pod so the dog probably did save him.”

According to the state fire marshal, Schmidt narrowly escaped the blaze before walking 500 yards barefoot to his neighbor’s house to call 911. 

A spokesman for the Harford County Fire and EMS Association could not disclose information on the nature of Schmidt’s injuries. About 75 firefighters from nine companies, including Bel Air, responded to the blaze, which caused about $200,000 in damages.

Bruce, who met Schmidt at the Bel Air Farmers’ Market, said her friend had diabetes and heart problems. 

“He had a really bad heart, if he walked 500 yards he’s probably in shock,” Bruce said. “He’s been [selling] at the Bel Air Farmers’ Market for as long as I can remember.”

Bruce does not believe Schmidt has any family, adding that he never got married or had children. She said he has lived in the Boyd Road house since he was born.

“He kind of adopted a bunch of us at the Farmers’ Market and he calls us his godchildren,” Bruce said. “He’s really a great old guy.”