Warm water, heart saves pet fish

Dalton resident Joan Newman went out of her way to care for her animals during the recent Hurricane Sandy. Newman loaded up her therapy dog, Trooper, and one pet fish in a large soup bowl and headed to the Ramada, Clarks Summit.

It's a really funny story, Newman said. I walked in with my dog and fish in a big soup bowl. I asked them if it was OK if I put the bowl on the service counter. And they let me even though many people without power were checking in.

She added that her dog was a bit hit.

A woman wrote a song about him and played it for everyone in the lobby, Newman said.

Prior to heading to the hotel, Newman's pet fish were in jeopardy when the temperature of her salt water aquarium dipped to 40 degrees. Newman was able to save one fish using Sternos and a chafing dish to provide water of the correct temperature. It was nursed back to health and is doing well.

A second fish did not survive.