Man dies in Detroit house fire but his dog rescued

DETROIT - A man is dead after a fire on Detroit's west side after firefighters pulled him from a house on Burnett Street early this morning.

They were able to save the 34-year-old victim's dog and now the animal is undergoing treatment - while investigators try to figure out what caused the fire.

Friends and family say C.L. Lee Jr. was home alone with his dog when he lost his life in an early morning house fire.

Lee owned Jam Custom Graphics in Detroit, and also DJ'ed.

"A very good guy he will be truly missed," said Anthony Wells, a friend of Lee's. "He was a good DJ, he was a good brother. Whatever he said, his word was his bond."

Detroit firefighters discovered Lee in his Burnette Street home around 5 a.m. Tuesday and believe the fire started in the kitchen.

Firefighters rescued his dog, and named her Halle. She is being treated at Groesbeck Animal Hospital and is expected to make a full recovery.

"She was given some oxygen therapy," said Theresa Sumpter, director of the Detroit Pit Crew. "We also had her eyes examined to make sure there was no smoke damage. They also did X-rays on her lungs to see if there was any lung damage."

Halle was first treated by firefighters, who took her home and bathed her, until Detroit Pit Crew stepped in to get her medical care.

"There were some minor burns on her," Sumpter said. "She is being treated and being hydrated right now. Her body condition is poor."

Detroit Pit Crew is still working to reach Lee's friends and family about Halle, a pit mix about three or four years old. if they don't take her, she will be put up for adoption.

"She's had a hard day today, we're going to make sure she gets the care she needs," Sumpter said.

This is just the beginning for the recovery of Halle, and the other people who loved the man called "Shordy."

FOX 2: "How are you doing right now?"

Wells: "Not well."