Firefighters Receive PETA Award for Dog Rescue

The Bowie firefighters that rescued two Chihuahuas from the charred remains of house fire on Sandal Lane have been awarded PETA's Compassionate Fire Department Award, according to a press release. 

"Prince George's County firefighters are truly heroes because they don't consider their job done until all residents—both human and nonhuman—have made it to safety," said PETA Senior Vice President Daphna Nachminovitch in a statement.
"PETA hopes the compassion and know-how shown by these firefighters will inspire others always to come to the aid of animals in need," Nachminovitch said in the statement.

The dogs were found in the burned out Bowie home Wednesday, and firefighters provided oxygen to both dogs, one that was described as being 'near death.' Shortly after the fire, Bowie resident Julian Martin Massiah, a former tenant of the home, was charged with arson in relation to the blaze.

The dogs were doing well initially, but by Friday the health of both dogs was failing. Otis, the more seriously injured dog, was surrendered to the Anne Arundel County SPCA Friday for treatment. Though he was showing some signs of improvement, Otis succumbed to his injuries overnight Saturday.

The second dog, Mylo, was treated by The Family Veterinary Clinic in Gambrills with no promise of payment. After two days of treatment, Mylo was returned to her family and is expected to make a full recovery with follow up treatment, according to the veterinarian.