Firefighters praised for reviving dog hurt in house fire

Oakland firefighters are receiving accolades from the group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals after rescuing a dog from inside a burning home last week, PETA officials announced Monday.

Engines 26 and 29 of the Oakland Fire Department are being granted PETA’s Compassionate Fire Department Award based on their actions during a residential fire on 85th Avenue last Wednesday.

That day, responding firefighters were told that a dog was locked in a small animal carrier inside a burning home, PETA officials said. All the people inside the home had escaped safely.

The firefighters apparently rushed inside, found the unconscious dog, and brought her outdoors.

They then removed her from the kennel and did chest compressions while administering oxygen through a specially designed snout mask, PETA officials said. The dog was resuscitated after six minutes.

PETA senior director Colleen O’Brien said in a statement:

“Thanks to these firefighters’ courage, this little dog was spared a painful, terrifying death. They kept working to revive her until they knew she would survive. … PETA hopes their determination will inspire others to come to the aid of animals in need.”

The firefighters will receive a framed certificate, vegan chocolates and a copy of a book on a Texas firefighter’s plan for staying in top shape by eating a plant-based diet, PETA officials said.