A gray pit bull puppy is alive today thanks to quick work by Whiteville Fire and Police.
Capt. Kyle McDaniel of Whiteville Fire said crews were called to 605 N. Lee Street just before 5 p.m. Monday to a kitchen fire. When they arrived, firefighters were told that no one was inside, but a bulldog puppy was inside the burning home.
Lt. Marquise Blanks of the WFD and Lt. Scott Moody of Whiteville Police entered the home and found the unconscious dog in a crate. They dragged the crate outside – “like saving a baby in a carseat,” a witness said – and broke out an oxygen mask designed for use on canines.
The pet masks are designed to work just like human oxygen masks. WFD received a donation of the masks several years ago, but this was thought to be the first time one has been used in the field.
“They worked on her for a good while,” McDaniel said. “Finally she perked up, and regained consciousness. She was even sitting up some after a while.” The lucky pup’s name was not immediately available.
Whiteville Animal Control transported the dog to a Wilmington emergency veterinary clinic for treatment. The dog was home Tuesday morning, McDaniel said. She will require some additional treatment to be sure he has a complete recovery.
“We all hope she makes it,” McDaniel said. “I have two dogs of my own. For some people, pets are family.”
No one was home at the time of the fire. The apartment sustained major damage.
Be the first to comment