In an unusual twist, here's how a firefighter's dog saved his life

While Firefighters are our heroes for saving lives, this fireman credits his dog for saving his life.

Detroit firefighter Matt Dunaj found himself on the brink of ending his life—until his loyal golden doodle, Mia, intervened with something that changed everything.

After more than seven years on the job, the stress of work, financial struggles, and life challenges had taken a toll on Dunaj. One night, overwhelmed by the weight of it all, he found himself alone in his basement, crying and holding a loaded gun.

"It kinda caught up to me, to the point where it was just too much," Dunaj shared. As he prepared to pull the trigger, Mia heard the sound of the gun cocking and rushed to his side. "And in that moment, thank the Lord the dog was home because she heard it, and as soon as that happened, she came up to me. In that unconditional love, she licked me in my face and kind of got me out of it," Dunaj recalled.

That simple act of love snapped him out of his despair. The next morning, Dunaj took a critical step toward healing: he dropped the gun off at his brother's house and reached out to Behavioral Health Treatment and Recovery. Within two weeks, he began receiving the help he desperately needed.

Dunaj says he has a new lease on life and is speaking out about his struggle to encourage others to seek help. His decision to share his story was inspired by the tragic suicide of a co-worker. He credits Mia for saving his life, saying her love gave him the strength to continue.

These days, Dunaj spends even more time with Mia, enjoying long walks and cuddles that reinforce the bond they share. She’s not just his pet—she’s his hero.