Shelley Mamott, Staff Writer

Scotty Parker says he’s alive thanks to his dog – a great Dane named Clyde.

The Adams County man is safe after his house caught fire near Kellerville, Illinos, just after two Tuesday morning. More than 20 firefighters responded to the home of Scotty Parker for an electrical fire that began in the attic.

Parker was asleep when Clyde started tugging on his shirt, trying to get his attention. He tried to ignore the dog and go back to sleep, but Clyde persisted.

That’s when Parker heard a noise and thought someone was in his house. He got up to investigate and that’s when the ceiling caved in and he discovered the fire. Parker was able to grab Clyde and escape unharmed. Firefighters say Clyde’s early warning may have prevented the he fire from spreading further, aside from the fact that he likely saved Scotty Parker’s life.