By Sara Beth Williams—
David Hoffman and his dog Maya on Monday reunited with the Citrus Heights fire crews who saved both the lives of Maya and his wife from a fire on Aug. 15.
On Sept. 9, Maya wore a onesie to protect her burns from becoming infected as she reunited with two Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District crews at Veterinary Specialty Hospital in Roseville. Despite her past injuries and trauma, Maya greeted those present with plenty of energy and excitement.
Hoffman said in an interview with The Sentinel that his wife had suffered a stroke several months ago, was bed-bound, and unable to escape the residence when it caught fire on Aug. 15.
Hoffman said he tried to help her escape from her bedroom window but was unable to do so. While his wife awaited rescue inside the burning home, she lay on the floor, and Maya climbed on top of her chest, according to multiple reports.
Crews were able to rescue both Hoffman and Maya, and Hoffman was rushed to the hospital with “critical smoke and burn injuries.” Crews also resuscitated Maya, who was then transported to Veterinary Specialty Hospital. Maya was kept on oxygen for at least 24 hours, according to associate veterinarian Dr. Nicole McArthur.
Battalion Chief Jason Vestal, the incident commander on scene at the time of the fire, said reuniting crews with the family was “a really unique opportunity to celebrate.” Vestal added that situations like this “don’t always turn out well.”
Veterinary Specialty Hospital Director Nicole Orlando said after hearing about the family’s hardship following the fire, the veterinary clinic wanted to be a part of helping the family.
“Knowing what Maya had done to save her mom’s life was incredible, so we opted to do the care for free,” Orlando said, adding that they didn’t want the family to have to worry about Maya when they already had to worry about recovering from the loss of their residence along with severe injuries.
Hoffman said he was “grateful” to the veterinary clinic and fire department for saving the lives of his dog and wife.
“I just can’t describe how thankful I am,” Hoffman said, adding that he also wanted to thank residents who tried to help before fire crews arrived.
The initial cost of treatment for Maya was estimated at $6,000, Orlando said. Maya is still undergoing treatment for burns and wore a dog onesie to protect her from infection as she sat with the fire crews that rescued her.
The Hoffman’s children have set up a GoFundMe account to help their parents recoup costs from the loss of their home and from what will be months of extensive medical care. For more information, visit the fundraising page here.
Melissa Hoffman is still undergoing treatment at UC Davis Burn Center, Hoffman said.
