During a quiet night in Ohio, a family’s dog named Rocco suddenly began barking uncontrollably. At first, the owners dismissed it as nothing unusual. But the barking grew louder and more desperate.

Curious, the owner stepped outside — and immediately smelled gas. A major leak from an underground pipe was spreading through the neighborhood. Firefighters later said one small spark could have caused a massive explosion.

Thanks to Rocco’s instincts, the entire block was evacuated in time. Residents now call him “the hero dog” who saved dozens of lives. The city even awarded him an honorary medal.