Lou the mule alerts Tenn. woman to house on fire

McMINNVILLE, Tenn. – Lou the mule brayed his way into his owner's heart with a New Year's warning that her rural Tennessee home was on fire.

Jolene Solomon says the mule saved her life by alerting her to the attic blaze so that she could get out of the house before it burned down.

The Southern Standard in McMinnville reported Solomon had just finished supper on New Year's Day when Lou's braying and acting up got her attention. The 63-year-old — who lives alone — stepped outside and saw the fire.

The farm house in south-central Tennessee built by Solomon's grandfather was gutted. Solomon is staying with family while she plans to rebuild.

Solomon said her father bought Lou years ago to help her and her late sister, Blue, around the farm.