> At a Glance
> – Wiley’s barking woke Heather Belliveau and Joi Roberts as their RV filled with toxic smoke
> – Belliveau says 30 seconds later, escape may have been impossible
> – A GoFundMe has been launched to help the women rebuild after losing everything
> – Why it matters: A rescue dog’s instincts saved two lives and highlights the importance of pet-alert systems for mobile-home safety
A mother and daughter in Florida credit their rescue dog, Wiley, with saving their lives after their motorhome erupted in flames late Tuesday, Dec. 23.
The Midnight Rescue
Belliveau and Roberts were asleep inside the RV when smoke began spreading. Wiley’s frantic barking pierced the night, jolting them awake.
> Heather Belliveau recalled:
> “If it would have been 30 seconds later, I don’t know that we would have been able to get my mom out.”
Photos show the interior gutted-melted wiring, ash-coated surfaces, and little left intact.
Community Steps Up
Local nonprofit Ginger’s Pet Food Pantry responded quickly to the scene.
> “We are currently assisting a family who tragically lost everything in a house fire,” the group posted on Facebook.
> “We will be making sure those pups have everything they need-food, supplies and care-so they can stay safe and together.”
Roberts’ resale business was also destroyed, yet the Christmas gifts she’d bought for her grandchildren survived.
> Joi Roberts said:
> “I can’t explain it. Other than it’s just another miracle. I think we had an evening of miracles, a night of miracles.”
Fundraising for a Fresh Start
The women are staying in a hotel while they search for permanent housing. A relative, Danielle Roberts, created a GoFundMe to raise funds for essentials.
> “Everything she owned-memories, belongings, and the place she felt safest-was gone in a matter of minutes,” Danielle wrote.
> “This loss is not just material-it’s emotional. After a lifetime of hard work, she is now left trying to piece together what comes next.”
Key Takeaways
- Wiley’s warning bark proved life-saving in a smoke-filled RV
- The family escaped with only seconds to spare
- Community support and online donations aim to restore stability
For Belliveau and Roberts, Wiley isn’t just a pet-he’s the hero who gave them a second chance.
The St. Lucie County Fire District has not released additional details.
