By David Tuckman/American Red Cross

On a stormy February day, Renee Dominique and Brian Smith were doing domestic chores when Smith heard a loud buzzing noise from the power transformers above. Moments later, the couple’s Eagle Rock home exploded into flames. When the Fire Department Battalion Chief asked if they wanted American Red Cross assistance, the two had no idea Red Cross supported individual home fires—only large-scale disasters. 

Dominique and Smith were standing in pouring rain when three Red Cross volunteer responders arrived, supplying a blanket and comfort kits that included toothbrushes and toiletries. With nowhere to go, the team provided immediate assistance, allowing the couple to secure a hotel room and replace urgent personal needs. Red Cross support continued after that initial contact, providing resources that included spiritual and mental health support. 

Red Cross wasn’t the only aid the couple received that day; the couple’s dog Kirby also played a part in his owners’ well-being.

Smith realized it was too late to save the house built by Dominque’s grandfather in the1940s, but figured he could still save his wallet and Dominique’s purse. Smith was about to run in through the flames to save their IDs when Kirby stood firm in Smith’s path. Instead of retrieving the couple's wallets, Smith chose to move their dog away from the house. Had it not been for Kirby, Smith would have gone back inside just moments before the home exploded.

"Brian was about to run in through the flames to save his wallet and Kirby just stood there staring, refusing to budge. We had to get Kirby out to safety,” Dominque recalled.

In the days that followed, Red Cross connected the couple with community partners from the Taiwan Buddhist Tzu-Chi Foundation in San Dimas, an organization that also supports people affected by disasters. Tzu-Chi volunteers prepared a vegetarian lunch for Dominque and Smith-Puck, and provided items of clothing, shoes, a pan for cooking and hamper to replace a scant few of the items lost.

“Red Cross helped us connect to the church across the street from our temporary housing,” said Dominique. “Red Cross has been amazing with the support of good people who are very accepting.”  

As a gesture of gratitude, when the Church hosted a Red Cross blood drive, Smith-Puck signed up to give back by donating blood to the Red Cross. Our heroes not only help dust off the ashes, they also rise from them.

If you or someone you know has been affected by a disaster, call us at 1 (800) 675-5799 or visit us at redcross.org.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.