A first floor Thurso flat was almost completely destroyed by fire on Wednesday evening.
Firefighters were called to the blaze at around 7.25pm on Wednesday night to the fire on Janet Street in the Caithness town.
The flat’s occupants Steve and Eilidh Gray and their young daughter were away from home when the fire broke out, however the family’s black labrador dog Cody had to be rescued from the flames by firefighters.
The dog remains in a serious condition and is receiving treatment from a local vet, while the family have lost most of their possessions in the blaze.
The blaze caused 75% fire damage in the living room and 100% smoke damage to the property.
The family are staying with other relatives elsewhere in Thurso while dealing with the fallout of the fire.
The property was owned by Pentland Housing Association who are now carrying out an investigation into the cause of the fire.
Mrs Gray said: “Our whole life has been turned upside down.
“We are all okay but our dog is in a serious condition. He was in the flat when the fire started. He was rescued by the firefighters and paramedics and fortunately our vet lives nearby and was able to give treatment straight away.
“He’s in a bad way though and we are just waiting to see if he will pull through.
“All we really want to say is to thank the fire brigade and the paramedics for their help, as well as all the people who have given us help.
“We’re staying with my in-laws and people have been so kind, giving us clothes and offering help.”
A spokeswoman for Pentland Housing Association said an investigation was underway into the cause of the fire.
She added: “It’s all hands on deck to try and get the best out of the situation for the tenants affected.