A Heroic Leap of Love: The Story of Jose Guzman and Gabanna

California Man Risks Life To Saves His Dog Trapped Inside Burning House

Risking It All: A Father’s Courageous Rescue of His Beloved Dog from a Burning Home

The Story of Jose Guzman and Gabanna

In 2019, a Southern California man made headlines around the world with a selfless act of courage. Jose Guzman, a father of three, is a devoted pet owner. He risked his life to save his beloved 2-year-old blue nose pit bull, Gabanna. The house was engulfed in flames.

“I knew something could’ve happened to me. It could have happened to both of us. However, it didn’t go through my mind at the time,” Jose shared. “That dog is part of my family. She’s been with us through downs and ups and I couldn’t leave her there. I would do it again if I had to; I would do it for anybody in my family.”

The incident unfolded in Pala, California, where Jose and his family were attending a barbecue at his parents’ house. It was a typical Sunday until news of a fire in his neighborhood disrupted the gathering. “I didn’t think it was mine because we had just left the house about an hour ago, but I decided to get in my truck and drive over there,” Jose explained.

To his horror, he discovered his home ablaze, caught in a fire that had started at a neighbor’s property. While his fiancée and daughters were safe, Gabanna was still inside. “I wasn’t gonna let her die like that,” he said.

Against the protests of firefighters, Jose ran straight into the burning house. “I ran through the curtain of fire and made my way through the smoke to the back of the house, where I had her chained up,” he recounted. Incredibly, he found Gabanna curled up under the toilet in the bathroom—the only room not yet consumed by flames. With burns on his face and hands, Jose emerged from the blaze, his faithful companion by his side.

The dramatic rescue, captured on video by his landlord’s son-in-law, Adam Guzman, went viral, drawing admiration worldwide. Adam, who watched in disbelief as Jose sprinted into the inferno, said, “I thought he’s a goner. The flames were hot and I couldn’t imagine running through those flames. When he came running out with the dog, it was a big relief that he was alive and brought out the dog at the same time.”

The fire left devastating losses. Jose’s home, possessions, and tools for his construction and landscaping jobs were destroyed. The family vehicles were also lost. Yet, amidst the ashes, Jose focused on his blessings.

Man runs into burning home to save his dog I ABC7

“She’s been with us forever. She’s part of the family. We love her,” he said, his voice heavy with emotion.

Jose was recovering from second-degree burns. During this time, he, his fiancée Adriana Lopez, and their daughters found temporary refuge with his sister, Roxana Martinez. Roxana set up a GoFundMe campaign that raised over $8,300 to help them rebuild their lives.

Reflecting on her brother’s bravery, Roxana said, “This is not out of character for him, this is something that he would do. He’s always been very spontaneous and very caring, and he would give his life for anyone.”

Jose’s fiancée, Adriana, echoed this sentiment: “He’s that person that would do that for anybody. He’s a loving dad, a loving son, a loving brother.”

Though the fire took away their material possessions, Jose and his family emerged with something far more valuable: a renewed bond and the life of a cherished family member.

As Jose’s story shows, love—whether for family or a loyal pet—can inspire extraordinary acts of heroism.

Source: