Portland Chihuahua honored as Red Cross Dog Hero

The barking of a small dog is more likely to result in annoyance than appreciation. But in the case of Jack the Chihuahua (Oregon City), there's no doubt his neighbors are thankful for his 3 a.m. wake-up call.

When Jack spotted flames in an apartment building last August, his continued barking worked up owner Chris Santiago, who in turn roused the building's residents and tried to fight the fire with a garden hose. Fortunately, all residents were able to safely evacuate before firefighters arrived. Thanks to Chris' quick thinking – and Jack's persistent volume – no one was injured or required medical treatment.

On Tuesday, March 9, Jack will be honored by the American Red Cross at the Fred Meyer Breakfast of Champions. The ceremony will take place at the Oregon Convention Center, 777 NE Martin Luther King Blvd., and all funds raised go to support disaster relief, CPR/first aid training and other services throughout the Oregon Trail Chapter's 16-county service area. For more information, visit www.oregonredcross.org/champions.