Dog's call of nature saves South Jordan couple

SOUTH JORDAN — A couple who nearly died from carbon monoxide poisoning may have man's best friend to thank for saving their lives.

Kenley and Pauline Christiansen were taken to LDS Hospital in critical condition after a high level of carbon monoxide was detected in their house. They were later released, but will have to return to the hospital for treatments.

About 5:30 a.m., Kenley Christiansen called 911 after he noticed his wife was disoriented and lethargic, said deputy chief Chris Evans of the South Jordan Fire Department.

The man had just been awakened by his dog, a 9-month-old golden retriever named Maddie because the pup needed to go outside. Firefighters responded and, while they were talking to him about what happened, he passed out in front of them.

Firefighters measured the amount of carbon monoxide in the house at 500 parts per million, which was as high as their equipment could detect.

"The actual amount could have been higher," Evans said.

The Christiansens were taken to Jordan Valley Hospital, then to LDS Hospital where they were placed in a hyperbaric chamber, Evans said.

Evans said the dog could be called a hero. The family, in fact, says they are nicknaming Maddie the "miracle dog." There were no carbon monoxide detectors in the house.

"Had the dog not woken him up, the two individuals would have died in the house," Evans said. "They are very fortunate."

Two cats were also in the house and suffered some sickness from the carbon monoxide.

Evans reminds homeowners to get their gas appliances checked and make sure they have carbon monoxide detectors on each floor.

The problem with carbon monoxide, an odorless and colorless gas, is that people might misdiagnose the symptoms of their illness.

"In the early stages, it mimics flulike symptoms," Evans said. "Patients feel dizziness and nausea."

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