OILDALE, Calif. -- Man's best friend has a whole new meaning for a man who said his dog saved his life from a house fire.

The fire broke out in the early-morning hours Tuesday on Highland Hills Drive in Oildale, leaving the house a total loss.

Firefighters said it started in the garage and before the smoke detectors were triggered, a golden retriever named Tye came to the rescue.

Tye barked and nudged his owner, Rick Plummer, until he woke up.

Plummer said he is thankful Tye took action, and said he rewarded him handsomely with three hot dogs.

The cause of the fire is unknown.