The life-saving power of unconditional love can come in unexpected forms, as one Detroit firefighter discovered during his darkest moment. When Matt Dunaj reached his breaking point last August, it wasn’t a person who pulled him back from the brink – it was the simple, pure affection of his Goldendoodle, Mia.
A first responder’s hidden struggle
As a Detroit firefighter, Matt Dunaj dedicated his life to saving others. But the cumulative weight of witnessing tragedy and trauma in the line of duty began taking its toll. “It adds up. Especially if you don’t deal with it the proper way,” Dunaj explained, describing the emotional burden of his work.
The combination of job-related stress, financial difficulties, and personal challenges eventually led Dunaj to a critical moment in his basement, where he sat with a loaded firearm contemplating suicide.
A faithful companion’s intervention
In what Dunaj now sees as divine intervention, his Goldendoodle Mia heard the sound of the gun being loaded and rushed to his side. “Thank the Lord the dog was home because she heard it and as soon as that happened she came up to me and in that unconditional love she licked me in my face and kind of got me out of it,” he recalled.
That simple gesture of affection from Mia became the turning point Dunaj needed. The following morning, he took the crucial first step toward recovery by asking his brother to remove his firearm. He then sought professional help through the IFF Center for Excellence, beginning his journey toward healing.
From survival to advocacy
Today, Dunaj shares his story openly, inspired to speak out after losing a fellow firefighter to suicide. He spends quality time with Mia, the loyal companion who saved his life, and offers hope to others facing similar struggles. “Don’t stop — keep moving forward,” Dunaj advises. “Eventually, something will stick and you’ll get the help you need. I’m living proof.”
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