A dog in South Carolina saved her own life by seeking refuge in a water-filled bathtub when her owner's house went up in flames.

One-year-old Mia, a Belgian Malinois, was rescued by firefighters from the home's basement after six hours of hiding in the tub.

Chris Brumby, the dog's owner, told WYFF4.com that Mia's survival is amazing, but not surprising.

"She acts like a human for most things," Brumby said. "And that kind of showed it. She knew where to go and hide."

Mia was home alone at the time of the fire, which investigators believe started in the attic.

As the fire raged, Mia ran down the stairs to the lowest level's washroom. Firefighters doused the home with water, which poured down into the basement. The water filled the bathtub, soaking the dog and keeping her safe from the fire.

Mia had to open four doors to reach the safety of the bathtub.

Thirty firefighters fought the fire for hours. It took two hours just to get the flames under control. It wasn't until the sixth hour that the heat and smoke subsided enough for internal access.

Steam was rising from the soaked, dazed and dirty dog as she was carried out of the home, but she sustained no serious injuries.

Brumby, his wife and two children were out for dinner when the fire started. They were overjoyed to be reunited with the family pet.

"That was a pretty special moment for us, because she's definitely part of the family," Brumby said.

(Photo credit: Alexander Hassenstein/Getty)