BRIEF: Walla Walla house fire guts home, spares dog

April 08--Fire destroyed most of the contents and interior of a Walla Walla home early this morning and proved to be a close call for the only occupant at the time, a dog named Moe.

The fire at 505 S. Division St. was called in at 12:13 a.m. today., where firefighters arrived to a fully engulfed home rented by Patti Cook.

After putting out the fire and looking for survivors, crews cleared access to an area that wasn't as scorched near the rear of the house, according to fire officials.

That's when Moe -- a Chihuahua-blue heeler mix -- ran out.

"She's got blue heeler in her," Cook said this morning. "I think that has something to do with her surviving it."

Cook, who was out of town at the time of the fire, had no renters insurance, and most all her belongings did not survive. She is now staying with family.

An investigation of the fire continues, with no cause reported as of late this morning.

Alfred Diaz can be reached at alfreddiaz@wwub.com or 526-8325.

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