Alert German shepherd helps save Prince William Co. family from fire

A Prince William County family is crediting their dog for alerting them to a fire.

The 4-year-old German shepherd named Captain Jack began pacing back and forth around 2 a.m. Monday morning. His owner, Drew Walter, says the activity woke him and just as he was about to tell the dog to lie down, he realized his garage was on fire.

Investigators are still working to determine the cause of the blaze, but firefighters arrived before it could spread to Walter's home along Fitzwater Drive in Nokesville.

He says the flames caused an estimated $300,000 in damage.

Walter owns Manassas Park Gunsmither W.A.R. Rifles. He told FOX 5: "I had a truck in there and a farm tractor along with a four-wheeler. I'm renovating my house so everything I needed to finish the house was in there and all my tools."

However, the single father says it could have been much worse. Once Captain Jack alerted him to the fire, he was able to get his daughters out of the house and call 911.

He admits the dog was already a bit spoiled, but says he is getting even more attention these days.

"He definitely saved us without a doubt," said Walter.