Steinbach pet inducted into Purina Animal Hall of Fame

A family pet in Steinbach is being recognized nationally as a hero.

Jim and Marlene Reimer's dog Billee has been inducted into the Purina Animal Hall of Fame, for his role in helping the couple escape a devastating house fire last summer. 

Reimer explains that shortly after midnight on July 6, 2022, his wife was awoken by the barking of their four-year-old Sheltie named Billee. Recognizing this as highly unusual, Marlene knew something was wrong. But, since Jim is a very sound sleeper, she had a difficult time waking him, until she looked out the window and yelled, "Jim, your truck is on fire."

Instantly, Jim sprung to his feet and when he looked outside, he says the sight turned his stomach into a knot. There were enormous flames coming from his truck parked next to the house and the Reimers knew they needed to call 911 and get out of their home fast. 

The couple grabbed Billee and managed to escape unharmed. But by the time the sun rose the next morning, their heritage home was damaged beyond repair. 

Already in those first moments after the fire, the Reimers were able to recognize that they may have lost everything of material value, but they still had each other. Five months later their 110-year-old home was torn down and shortly after crews began the process of rebuilding. About two weeks ago, Jim, Marlene and Billee moved into their new home.

Jim, Marlene and Billee on a road trip this summer.

Following the fire last year, Jim and Marlene's daughter started to search the Internet for ways that Billee could be recognized for his heroism. She came across Purina's website and submitted information about the fire. Jim says Purina was able to verify the accuracy of the details thanks to the news story told last July on SteinbachOnline.com. As a result, the Reimers were notified that Billee would be inducted into the Purina Animal Hall of Fame for his extraordinary act of heroism.

Jim says it is his belief that he or Marlene might not be here today if it were not for Billee. He notes the fire was heavily fueled by 30 gallons of gas as well as combustible material in the garage. Jim says there was a tremendous amount of heat and oxygen which produced a ferocious fire. All of this was burning just outside their bedroom window as they lay fast asleep until Billee started barking.

"Our early warning by our dog is what allowed us first to be awakened," says Jim. "Number two, to escape down our stairway which would otherwise have been blocked." 

Jim says had they slept longer, their escape route down their stairs would not have been possible. They would then have had to find an alternate way out of the house which would have been through their second-storey window.

"That wouldn't have been a safe exit," he says. "And so (Billee's) role and timing, the factor of the timing is just huge in what the outcome could have been."

Jim says leaving when they did, also prevented additional emotional trauma down the road. He says other house fire victims talk about the sleepless nights they experience from fleeing their homes filled with smoke. Jim and Marlene left before there was any smoke inside their house.

"We're so thankful for that and so that's Billee's role in that," adds Jim. "The way the Lord used Billee to bring us out of this, He had purposes in this and so we trust His reasons and His purposes for what happens."

Jim notes it appears the event may have created some trauma for Billee. He notes last fall they took their dog camping, something they did many times prior to the fire. But Jim says this time when they were having campfires, Billee was noticeably agitated by the crackling sound. 

"I have a feeling that may be related (to the house fire)," says Jim. "He's an animal but they remember things and that was traumatic that night for him."

Billee is the 191st animal to be inducted into the Purina Animal Hall of Fame, dating back to 1968. The list includes 163 dogs, 27 cats and one horse. Nine of those animals are from Manitoba. 

Jim says for his role in rescuing them from the fire, Purina has sent Billee a certificate and medal as well as dog food and toys. But Jim says the recognition is not getting to his head.

"He's a lot more humble than we are," laughs Jim, but says Billee is enjoying the treats and the attention. "He's a dog, he's not a human but the Lord used him."

Gifts from Purina to Billee

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