Pit Bull Saves Family: Oklahoma Dog Gets a New Leash on Life (VIDEO)

Pit bulls, a breed branded with a dangerous demeanor, are hoping to put a new leash on life.

And one 10-year-old pit bull terrier in particular is hoping to change the negative stereotypes associated with the playful pups. According to KOCO.com, Baby, the dog pictured, helped to save a family from a burning home in Wellston, Okla.

A family was asleep when smoke and flames engulfed their home.

"There were flames shooting down the hallway," said Rhonda Westenberger, who was awaked by the dog with her sister, Evelyn. "If Baby hadn't woken Evelyn up, I don't think either one of us would have come out of it." Fortunately, Baby saved the day.

As there were several other dogs in the home, Baby even returned to the fire to help rescue other canines.
"There was [one dog] hiding underneath the bed," said Charles Land, another family member. "Baby actually went in there grabbed it by the neck and drug it outside."

Though the house was unfortunately destroyed in the fire, the family is grateful and fortunate to have escaped with their lives. Officials believe the fire began when the clothes dryer malfunctioned.

Even with this heroic act on Baby’s part, pit bulls are still unjustly branded with a negative and untrue stereotype. According to Animal Planet, many shelters still automatically put pit bulls down and in many communities, they are unjustly fought against each other for money or prizes.

Hopefully, even if this is a small step in the right direction, Baby has made her mark. 

Want to find out more about Baby? Check out this video, courtesy of the Huffington Post.