Laura Palladino ended up being a lifesaver simply by opting for an unusual choice in entertainment over the typical Netflix or Hulu binge.
During a normal Friday night at home, Palladino took to the internet to check up on Ethel, a pregnant pig at a farm she visited a few weeks prior. The livestream, which is usually not very lively at all, features Ethel in her barn as she grazes and feeds.
"It's the least stressful [thing on the internet]," she told CBS.
In an effort to simply check to see if Ethel had given birth yet, Palladino ended up saving her life.
As the live stream continued, however, Palladino watched as Ethel accidentally tipped over a heat lamp and buried it in hay. The hay and barn quickly caught fire, and Palladino noticed she was the only one watching the livestream at the time.
"I started freaking out. I was the only one watching, which is what made my heart sink. There was nothing I could do and it was terrifying," Palladino said.
Having to think on her feet, Palladino attempted to call June Farms, but was unable to get through to them. She then called the police and the local fire department. Matt Baumgartner, the farm's owner, detailed the ongoings in a Facebook post.
"Without her immediate action, we don't know what would have happened to our pigs," Baumgartner wrote.
Eventually, Palladino was able to get a hold of someone at the farm to let them know there was a potential disaster on their hands.
Palladino watched as farm workers busted into the pen and extinguished the fire. "I started crying - like, this is just a lot. And he was holding her and he's like, 'I'm so sorry.' You could tell how much he loved those animals," she said.
June Farms was so grateful for Palladino's heroism that they will be naming one of Ethel's piglets Laura. "I never thought I'd have a pig named after me, but I'll take it," she said.
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