Ella, a seven-year-old Saint Bernard-Poodle mix, proved to be more than just a loyal companion when she sniffed out a dangerous gas leak at her home in Hoboken, New Jersey. While her owner, Liam, had caught faint whiffs of gas throughout the day, he initially brushed them off.
“I had a headache and was lightheaded throughout the day, but I thought it was a normal end-of-the-week tiredness,” said Liam.
But it was Ella’s unusual behavior that actually raised the alarm. As a pup who typically prefers a lowkey lounge about, Liam was concerned when Ella became restless and insisted on going outside – even though she didn’t need a bathroom break.
“This was really out of the norm for her,” said Liam. “It made me think something wasn’t right.”
Taking his dog’s cues seriously, Liam opened the windows and stepped out with Ella to get fresh air.
After calling his parents, who were out of town, they quickly contacted the building’s front desk and called us in to investigate. Our technician discovered a hidden gas leak behind the oven, confirming that Ella’s instincts had been right on the nose.
Liam encourages everyone to pay attention to any signs of a gas leak and not to hesitate in calling for help. He credits Ella for saving the day – sometimes, a dog really “nose” best!
Watch Liam’s mom, Beth, share their story on the On NJ Morning Show below.
To learn more about what to do if you smell gas, visit pseg.com/gassafety and find natural gas safety tips here.