- James Trounson adopted the dog Martha after rescuing her from her home
A loyal terrier who refused to leave her dead owner’s side has been adopted by the firefighter who rescued her.
James Trounson found the faithful dog, named Martha, shivering, alone and helpless.
Mr Trounson had been part of an emergency team that had been called to a house in Breage, Cornwall, where Martha was found.
Refusing to abandon the eight-year-old dog, the firefighter began looking for someone to take her in, but after coming up blank, he decided to adopt her himself.
Mr Trounson, who is also a builder, now takes Martha with him everywhere and says she now has “a whole new life”.
James Trounson rescued dog Martha after being called to a house in Cornwall where the owner had sadly died.
The firefighter from Helston Community Fire Station broke down the door of the house in Breage, 10 miles from Penzance, only to discover the owner had died.
Mr Trounson was moved by the sad expression on the little dog’s face as she sat obediently with her owner and asked if she could look after him.
After a failed mission to reunite Martha with her owner’s relatives, the builder-turned-firefighter adopted her himself.
After RSPCA checks and with police permission, the hero took the puppy into his home.
He said: ‘She comes with me everywhere. We already have a collie named Merlin and we were looking for a partner for him.
“We took her home and gave her a good bath.”
He added that, since Martha didn’t like to be left alone, she used to accompany him on his tractor.
‘She has a whole new life now. At night he sleeps in bed with Millie, the cat.
A spokesperson for Helston Community Fire Service said: “On arrival, the resident was found dead in the house, with her dog.
Martha had remained loyal to her owner despite being cold and hungry. Since she was adopted by Mr. Trounson, she goes with him everywhere, even on her tractor (pictured).
“With no immediate family, FF James Trouson has made arrangements to
adopt the puppy.
‘FF Trouson primarily responds for Mullion Community Fire Station and responds for Helston when in the area.
“From tragedy sometimes happiness arises.”