However, when his 10-month-old brother Sultin, chewed through a phone cable in the garage of his Cromwell home, life changed for Demon and his owner.
Southern Fire Region fire safety officer Stuart Ide, of Cromwell, said it appeared the fire started when the puppy chewed through a cellphone cable while the phone was charging.
"The dog was prone to doing that ... the armchair caught on fire. We can't prove [that was the cause of the fire], but it's very likely."
Mr Ide said the garage was badly damaged. The puppy died while Demon, who weighs about 30kg, hid underneath covers on a bed and has been left with injuries which would have him classified as a critical care patient in human terms.
Owner Russell Davies was not at home when the fire started, but said he was grateful to those who rescued Demon, particularly the dog's "second owner" Draydon Sinclair.
Mr Sinclair told the Otago Daily Times when he realised the garage was on fire he opened the door and called for the dogs.
Demon "came running out", still "smoking".
"I grabbed a hose and just put it on him."
Pets and Vets veterinarian Orla Fitzpatrick, of Queenstown, treated Demon in Cromwell on Saturday afternoon and said the dog was in extreme pain.
Demon also suffered bad smoke inhalation, his eyelids were badly burned, he had burns to one leg and his ears would have to be removed.
Demon was heavily sedated, put on IV antibiotics as well as fluids and can now be hand fed.
He had also been going for small walks, she said.
"He's such a wonderful dog, he's just beautiful ... he's just like a big teddy bear."
Unfortunately, his treatment is expensive - the bill is already about $2000.
Mr Davies knew he could not afford to pay the bill. Pets and Vets would give a discount, but the bill could still be a few thousand dollars.
"The owners and friends are going to try and chip in as much as they can."
The clinic might organise a charity quiz to raise money for Demon, but also wanted to launch a public fundraising effort to assist with Demon's vet bill.
