Dog’s bark jolted a mother and daughter awake in their trailer — 30 seconds later, a near-tragedy had them thanking their lucky stars
Dogs are called humans' best friends for a reason. But their actions sometimes prove they are more than that. For this mother-daughter duo from Fort Pierce, their rescue dog showed why canines are true saviors. Joi Roberts and Heather Belliveau were sleeping peacefully when their RV caught fire. Within a few minutes, their motorhome was filled with toxic smoke, as reported by WPTV on December 24, 2025. Seeing this, their dog, Wiley, began barking to alert them and averted a massive tragedy by saving their lives. In a Facebook post, their family member, Danielle Roberts, shared the horrifying ordeal and said, "Everything she (her mother-in-law and sister-in-law) owned—memories, belongings, and the place she felt safest—was gone in a matter of minutes." She also set up a fundraiser to help her family in distress.
"By the grace of God and the quick instincts of her little dog, Wiley, she was alerted just in time to escape," she added, urging her followers to help. The RV was "engulfed in the smoke at that point," she said. Belliveau, talking to the outlet, shared, "If it had been 30 seconds later, I don't know that we would have been able to get my mom out." Just hours after the tragedy, a local nonprofit organization, Ginger's Pet Food Pantry, stepped in to support them. "In the midst of all this loss, they have two little dogs, and we will be making sure those pups have everything they need—food, supplies, and care—so they can stay safe and together during these incredibly difficult times," the organization wrote in the Facebook Post."
Joi said, "I can't explain it. Other than that, it's just another miracle. I think we had an evening of miracles, a night of miracles." She shared that if Wiley had been even a few seconds late, they wouldn't have survived. Even after losing their home, their belongings, and Joi's resale business, they are thankful to their stars for saving their lives. "That's all just stuff that can be replaced. My daughter can't be replaced. Her dogs can't be replaced," said Joi. Asking for help for the family, Danielle wrote, "We are asking for any help you can give—whether it’s a donation, a share, or simply keeping her in your thoughts and prayers. Every contribution, no matter the size, will help restore a sense of security and dignity during this incredibly difficult time."
She added, "We as a family are coming together to help as much as we can, but this cannot be done alone." Hearing about the tragedy, several people offered to help the women and their pets with whatever they could. "I have some clothes; I'm not sure of their size. Do the pups need toys? I know you have their food covered," asked Jennifer Schmal Wyatt. "Oh, Danielle! How devastating! Thoughts are with you guys," expressed Tiffancy McDonald Bolinger. Amy Pauline commented, "Please update once she’s settled. I don’t have extra funds, but could help with necessities I may already have."
Both women are currently living in a hotel and working to achieve a permanent place to live, the family shared. They have raised over $3,500 through the GoFundMe page, and their goal is to achieve $10,000.
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