A heartwarming story of survival and canine heroism is making headlines across the Treasure Coast this week. In neighboring Fort Pierce, a mother and daughter are crediting their rescue dog with saving their lives after a devastating fire engulfed their RV while they slept.
The incident occurred late at night, turning the family’s home into a charred shell of wood and melted wiring. Joi Roberts and her daughter, Heather Belliveau, were both asleep when the blaze began. According to the family, the smoke had already begun to fill the vehicle when their dog, Wiley, sprang into action.
The rescue dog began barking relentlessly, alerting the women just moments before the toxic smoke became overwhelming. Belliveau noted that the timing was critical, believing that any delay would have resulted in tragedy.
“If it would have been 30 seconds later, I don’t know that we would have been able to get my mom out. The place was engulfed with smoke at that point.”
The fire destroyed nearly everything the family owned, including the RV itself and the inventory for Roberts’ resale business. However, amidst the ashes, the family found a surprising sign of hope: Christmas presents intended for the grandchildren survived the flames, untouched except for a layer of soot. Roberts described the survival of the gifts and their escape as “a night of miracles.”
The local community has already begun to rally around the family. Ginger’s Pet Food Pantry, a local nonprofit organization, stepped in immediately following the fire to provide beds, treats, and toys for Wiley, honoring the four-legged hero.
Despite the loss of their home and livelihood, the women expressed deep gratitude that their family unit—including their beloved pets—remained intact. The family is currently staying in a hotel while they navigate their next steps toward finding permanent housing. A fundraising effort has been established to assist them in rebuilding their lives on the Treasure Coast.
