Husky named Kobe saves Philadelphia neighborhood from potential gas explosion

All dogs surely deserve the title "good boy." But some, like a husky named Kobe from Philadelphia, United States, seem particularly deserving. Kobe saved his neighborhood from a gas leak just days before Christmas. This malfunction could have potentially led to a disastrous explosion.

Kobe's owner, Chanell Bell, shared a video on Instagram that is now viral. In the video, she explains how Kobe not only saved the festive season but possibly also the lives of her and her neighbors. She noticed Kobe persistently digging in one spot between the poured concrete in her yard, a unusual behavior.

Since there had been a gas leak previously in her home, and she had been having heating issues, she decided to investigate. She used a gas detector at home to check the hole Kobe had dug up on December 21st. To her surprise, gas was being released there. Bell then promptly informed the appropriate authorities.

Repair crews spent three days fixing the leak. According to the workers, something as simple as switching on a light might trigger a flame ignition from the flammable gas vapors and could have blown up Bell's house. Kobe's vigilance was invaluable. The Philadelphia gas company confirmed that their workers "were able to locate the source of the leak and effectively secure the location".

The company also stressed that they add a compound called mercaptan to the natural gas in their systems. This compound emits a scent similar to rotten eggs, making detecting gas leaks easier.