Family dog sniffed out a dynamite in home attack before it went off — and his quick instincts saved 13 lives

Sometimes heroes come in unexpected forms, and in Peru, one small dog is being praised for her incredible bravery. According to reports, what began as a regular night for one family quickly turned into a close call that could have ended in tragedy. But thanks to their dog, Machis, the situation was defused, quite literally.

Carlos Alberto Mesias Zarate, a journalist, wasn’t too shocked by the threat itself, calling it just “part of his line of work.” But he was stunned by what his dog did next. Late one evening, a person dressed in black was caught on surveillance video throwing a sparking stick of dynamite into Zarate’s front yard before running away. Without hesitation, Machis, a 25-pound Cocker Spaniel mix, ran straight toward the fizzing explosive.

“She chewed it and chewed it and saved our lives,” Zarate told NBC News. The fuse went out while in her mouth, just moments before it could explode. Authorities later confirmed the dynamite was the same kind used in landmines. Zarate quickly called the police, who have since detained a suspect in connection with the attempted bombing. Thanks to Machis, what could have been a deadly night turned into a story of survival. 

Although the family was unharmed, Machis didn’t walk away without injury. In the days that followed, they noticed her bark had changed. “She's having trouble barking. You can’t hear her bark now,” Zarate said, explaining that the blast damaged her vocal cords. Still, despite losing her voice, Machis has gained recognition and admiration. Her courage not only saved her family but also earned her the status of a local celebrity.

Dogs have repeatedly shown that their bravery and quick instincts can make the difference between life and death. Another example comes from Colorado, where a tiny Chihuahua named Cuddles became a hero in her own right. In the early hours of August 14, 2024, a quiet night in Colorado turned into a desperate struggle when a fire erupted at a family’s home. Their small Chihuahua, Cuddles, sprang into action, barking urgently and leaping onto Victor Elkins’ chest until he awoke, giving the family the precious moments they needed to get out safely. Sadly, Cuddles did not make it; firefighters later found her under a bed, likely overcome by smoke. Beloved by Suzanne Elkins’ 13-year-old grandson, Jaxson Coley, she was remembered for her affectionate nature. “She just loved cuddling everyone,” he said.

In another display of canine courage, a heroic dog from Scotland stepped up to save her owner in a life-threatening fire. Katrina Archer, 44, from Auchterless near Turriff, owes her life to her quick-thinking six-year-old Border Collie, Freckles. While Katrina was dozing, Freckles began barking frantically, rousing her just as smoke started filling the house. At first, she thought it was a minor issue and grabbed a bowl of water, but it quickly became clear that the fire was serious. Neighbours rushed to help control the flames until firefighters arrived. “If Freckles hadn’t reacted so urgently, I would have still been asleep and in danger,” Katrina said. Today, Freckles is being lavished with extra love, celebrated as her “furry little hero” for saving her life that June night.