FARGO, N.D. (Valley News Live) – A Fargo man suffered third-degree burns after repeatedly entering his burning home to try to save his therapy dog during an October 11 house fire.
Eddie Hollerung and his wife were home with their two dogs when their South Fargo home caught fire. While the couple and their dog, Polly, escaped, Hollerung’s therapy dog, Lily, remained trapped inside.
“So I went in to try and get her but she kept running around in circles on me. So, I went in, like I said, 3 times,” Hollerung said.
Despite his efforts, Lily died the next day from injuries sustained in the fire. Hollerung suffered third-degree burns from his rescue attempts.’
“Lily, we’re mourning her pretty hard. She was my therapy dog; I got PTSD,” Hollerung said.
The fire damaged the home extensively, forcing the family to relocate. Hollerung said his wife has struggled with returning to the house.
“My wife has been taking it really hard as far as they go in the house. So, we got to be moving into an apartment this Friday, thanks for our insurance company,” Hollerung said.
Organizations including the Red Cross and Salvation Army are providing assistance to the family as they recover from the fire.
Hollerung said the experience taught him the importance of emergency preparedness and spending time with loved ones.
“I would say have a go bag. So if they do have an emergency, you can just pick up a bag and go out your house, you know. Have valuables, your personal belongings in there. And I would say just give your family members a hug. Tell everybody ‘I love you’ you know. Because no matter what, it can change quick,” he said.
Hollerung also thanked the hospital nurses who cared for him during his recovery.
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