Hero Service Dog Dies in House Fire

A house fire in Little Canada, Minnesota, on March 25, has left a man hospitalized with severe burns and mourning the loss of his service dog, Duke. The fire reportedly started when a propane tank ignited on the residence's deck while the owner, Leo Martinez, was grilling. Martinez, who previously served as a police officer and in the military in Mexico, sought political asylum in the U.S. in 2014 due to death threats. Duke, adopted as a puppy, provided crucial emotional support for Martinez's post-traumatic stress disorder. Despite surviving the fire and ensuring his girlfriend's safety, Martinez sustained burns to his head, arm, and leg. His home was destroyed, and he lacked homeowner's insurance. Friends from his carpenter's union have established a GoFundMe to aid in his recovery and rebuilding efforts.