Dogs have been known as man's best friends for decades, and Jamie Hanson's 13-year-old dog, Jesse, has lived up to it. A specially trained golden retriever-German shepherd mix, Jesse, not only rescued her owner from fire but also tried to save the fellow pet, a cat, before dying of asphyxiation.

Hanson, who had lost her leg in a car accident three years ago, was sitting in the couch watching television when the cat ran over the back of the couch and jumped onto a table, tipping a candle on it thereby lighting the artificial plants on fire.

Recalling the tragic incident to the AP, Hanson said she fell off the couch and was unable to get her artificial leg from the table, "so my dog got my leg for me and went and got the phone and brought the phone to me so I could call 911."

Hanson said she tried to put the prosthetic leg on, but it was too hot, and here Jesse again came to her aid before going back inside for the cat.But when rescuers arrived, it was too late. The house was fully engulfed in flames and both the pets had died due to smoke inhalation.

According to the sheriff's department Hanson was found in the doorway and was assisted to safety by a deputy.

She was taken to the hospital for burns and was discharged Monday.