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German shepherd helps rescue children from burning home

LONGWOOD, Fla. (WFLA/AP) – Authorities in central Florida say a German shepherd helped firefighters locate the two young children of his owners in heavy smoke as a blaze destroyed their home.

The Seminole County Sheriff’s Office says that the dog named Maxx helped firefighters find the 4-year-old boy and 2-year-old girl Monday night in their home in the Orlando suburb, Longwood.

Maxx, the family dog, is credited with helping firefighters during the blaze (Photo: GoFundMe)

“Maxx, the family dog, is credited with assisting firefighters through the heavy smoke to the location of each of the two children,” according to a GoFundMe page set up for the family.PHOTOS: Top 10 of America’s Most Popular Dog Breeds

Moments earlier, neighbors who saw the fire spreading called 911, broke windows and helped evacuate the children’s mother, Margo Feaser.

Firefighters then were able to rescue Feaser’s husband, as well as the two children with Maxx’s help.

Feaser is a 12-year veteran of the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, working as an investigator. According to GoFundMe, she also served with the U.S. Army for three years and is currently a member of the Army National Guard. Her husband is also a military veteran.

Family members were hospitalized and their conditions ranged from serious to critical.

The dog was treated for smoke inhalation and is now doing well.

The GoFundMe page says the family is unable to return to their home, as it was completely destroyed in the fire. The GoFundMe account “will assist with medical, veterinary, and other housing expenses as the family works to get back on their feet,” the page reads.