The long-standing myth that dogs and postal workers are natural enemies couldn’t be further from the truth. It took something as serious as a house fire to prove that bond.
A family from Kensington, Maryland — Laura and DeWayne Nichols — nearly lost everything in a blaze that started in their kitchen… everything, except their beloved dogs.
Thanks to the quick thinking and kindness of postal worker Vincent Ross, their pups were saved from the flames.
A Quick Call For Help
That morning started like any other. Laura and DeWayne left for work, leaving their dogs at home as usual. But this was no ordinary day — it was one they’ll remember for the rest of their lives.
Vincent Ross, a 25-year veteran postal worker, was on his daily route when he noticed smoke rising from one of the houses on the street.
“People walking by said they know these people have pets,” Ross recalled.
Wasting no time, Ross dialed 9-1-1 to alert the Montgomery County Fire Department and EMS. Moments later, he heard frantic barking coming from inside the house. He could only pray that rescuers would arrive in time — going in himself wasn’t an option.
Fortunately, the emergency teams showed up within minutes and rushed in to save the trapped animals.
The Dogs Survive The Flames
Inside were Grohl, a young German Shepherd, and Penelope, an 11-year-old Lab mix. Both dogs were pulled to safety. While Grohl was quickly stabilized with oxygen and able to reunite with his family, Penelope required further monitoring at a veterinary clinic.
Tragically, the Nichols family lost three cats in the fire, but their dogs’ survival gave them something to hold onto in the midst of heartbreak.
“I think the dogs would’ve died for sure if the mailman hadn’t been there,” Laura told Fox 5. “I just can’t thank you enough for everything. Some people would’ve just walked by and not said anything. You saved them for sure.”
Ross downplayed his heroism, simply saying: “I’m just glad that I could help, you know… that’s all.”
The Right Man At The Right Time
Vincent Ross may not have entered the burning house himself, but his swift action ensured the fire crews were there in time to save lives.
While others walked by, Ross stopped, made the call, and gave the Nichols family the chance to hold their dogs again.
He’s a true reminder that sometimes being a hero doesn’t mean running into danger — it means doing the right thing at the right moment.
The world could certainly use more people like Vincent Ross.