Speak to our team
Do you need help?
When a devastating house fire broke out in Kingston-upon-Thames, two golden retrievers faced a desperate fight for survival. Thanks to the quick actions of firefighters, our dedicated emergency vets and the determination of their owners, Blaise and Phoenix made an incredible recovery.
Sonia Docherty and her partner Andy had been out for the evening when disaster struck. A fire, believed to have started near a wall-mounted television, quickly filled their home with thick, black smoke.
“When we got home, neighbours said our fire alarm had been going off and they smelt smoke, so they’d called the fire brigade,” Sonia recalled. “When we opened the door, we were met by this wall of thick black smoke.”
Their first thought was for their beloved pets; 18-month-old Blaise, three-year-old Phoenix and their elderly cat, Daisy.
“Our first thought was getting to our pets, and we hoped our elderly cat Daisy might have gotten out through the flap,” Sonia said. “Andy and one of the neighbours were trying to hold their breath and get in to search the house, but they kept being beaten back by the smoke.”
Then, through the smoke, Blaise found her way to safety.
“I was by the front door when Blaise managed to find her way out, totally covered in soot,” Sonia said. “Fire crews with breathing apparatus got in at the back and pulled Phoenix out.”
Firefighters also rescued Daisy from the bathroom, and all three pets received oxygen treatment at the scene before being rushed to our Vets Now emergency clinic in Sutton.
A Critical Fight to Survive
Although both dogs had suffered severe smoke inhalation, Phoenix was critically ill on arrival.
The emergency team immediately began intensive treatment, administering medication to support their breathing, washing away the toxic soot covering their coats, and placing them on oxygen therapy.
“Smoke inhalation can cause pneumonia, and because of the scale of the fire it was very concerning,” said Principal Vet Sam King, who treated the dogs alongside fellow vet Yasmin Amer.
“Phoenix was the sicker one, coughing up a thick, tar-like substance and her breathing was worsening.”
Phoenix’s condition deteriorated so rapidly that the team improvised a large oxygen chamber because she was too big for a standard oxygen incubator.
“She was too big for a standard oxygen incubator so we made one up for her but still feared she may need to be put on a ventilator,” Sam explained.
Phoenix was transferred to a specialist referral centre as a precaution, but thankfully her condition improved and she was soon able to return and reunite with Blaise and her family.
“They were incredibly lucky and Phoenix in particular was so sick I wouldn’t have been surprised if she didn’t pull through,” Sam said.
A Heartbreaking Loss
Sadly, despite the best efforts of the fire service and veterinary team, Daisy had suffered irreversible damage from smoke inhalation and had to be put to sleep.
While the family continues to come to terms with that loss, they are incredibly grateful that Blaise and Phoenix survived.
The fire also left their home extensively damaged by smoke, meaning the family faced a lengthy period away from home.
“The Vets Now team did an amazing job and then followed up to check on how we were doing,” Sonia said. “We’re so grateful they were there when we needed them.”
Why Immediate Treatment Matters
Smoke inhalation is one of the most serious dangers pets face during house fires. Even animals that appear well initially can develop life-threatening breathing problems hours later.
Rapid assessment, oxygen therapy and intensive veterinary care can make all the difference, as Blaise and Phoenix’s remarkable story demonstrates.
Thanks to the swift actions of firefighters, emergency veterinary teams and their determined owners, both Blaise and Phoenix are now safely back home where they belong.
We’re so glad we were there for the family when they needed us most.