Dog that hates baths warns homeowner of fire

Sheila Battershell doesn't know how long<br>she would have been in the shower before she noticed her house was on fire if not for a slap at the shower curtain by her English<br>bulldog Peyton.<br>

Thursday, October 21st 1999, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

Sheila Battershell doesn't know how long
she would have been in the shower before she noticed her house was on fire if not for a slap at the shower curtain by her English
bulldog Peyton.

Ms. Battershell thought it strange the Peyton was in the bathroom. She hates baths.

Ms. Battershell said "You silly dog" as she pulled back the curtain. She smelled smoke and saw the ceiling and floor rug on fire.

"My daughters say Peyton is slow and dumb, but I love her," she said. Ms. Battershell went in search of her personal fire alarm and carried the dog past a burning furnace and out the front door early Wednesday.

She lost everything in the fire.

Poteau fire Chief Rick Couri estimated damage at $35,000. He said the fire appeared to begin near the wall furnace in the dining
room.