Local musician thanks dog for saving him from fire

An Atlanta-based musician with second degree burns is praising his pet for saving his life.

Ed Stroud told Channel 2 Action News the Dec. 20 fire at his Baker Ridge Drive home left him with burned face and arms, but fortunately his hands were spared.

“With me being a guitar player I need my hands,” Stroud told Channel 2 on Tuesday from his hospital room. “This my money maker right here.”

He has played with artist such as Outkast and TLC.

Gracie, Stroud’s poodle, licked his face and barked to wake him up when he was sleeping and the fire was spreading, Stroud told Channel 2.

The house was already engulfed in flames.

“And I was like Oh my God I'm about to die if I don't do something fast,” Stroud said.

They made it to the back door, where Stroud collapsed.

Firefighters previously told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution the dog continued to bark for help.

“She alerted us,” Atlanta fire Capt. Kelen Evans said. “We got the door open and pulled him out.”

Now, Stroud’s talent manager, Kathrine Williams, and other musicians are hosting a benefit concert Jan. 10 at Cafe 290 in Sandy Springs to help Stroud recover and rebuild.