Dog named Houdini escapes fatal fire

GRISWOLD, Conn. (WTNH) -- If ever a dog lived up to his name it's a Labrador-German Shepherd mix named Houdini, who appeared out of the woods on Tuesday: the only one to escape a deadly fire.

"He's doing really well," said Angela Bordeleau, neighbor. "Sometimes he sits and cries, but for the most part he's very very happy."

Bordeleau lives across the street from Wayne and Linda Guyette, who along with their three other dogs and several cats, all died in the early morning fire.

Houdini was Wayne's constant companion.

"He'll sit at the door or he'll be barking, we'll just put him on the leash and bring him right over," said Bordeleau. "Usually there's people over here, so he just wants to come to see everybody."

Houdini continues to amaze, giving comfort to those who stop by the Tatro Road home the Guyette's shared for 40 years.

"He does stare sometimes, but for the most part he wants to go to everyone," Bordeleau said, "and if anyone's sad he goes right to them and goes to comfort them."

Thursday was a particularly difficult day for the family because they tell News 8 it was their dad's birthday. Wayne would have been 65. They also mentioned that their mom Linda would have turned 63 in November.

Folks can only guess that Houdini pushed his way through the screen door, but that's only if the Guyette's had left the front door open. Otherwise they're not sure how he pulled off the escape, but they are sure glad he did.

"It's quite the miracle," Bordeleau said.