Quick-Thinking Responders Get Award For Saving Choking Puppy

NORTH READING, MA—A Compassionate Police Department Award and a Compassionate Fire Department Award are being given from PETA to the North Reading Police Department and the North Reading Fire Department after rescuers came together on Sunday to save a puppy named Bodhi.

The dramatic surveillance video captured the dog's guardian running into the police station frantically looking for help for the puppy that had choked on food and was limp and unresponsive. Firefighters helped police officers administer chest compressions and back blows to dislodge the food stuck in his airway and used a special mask designed for animals to provide him with oxygen.

The emergency response took 10 minutes and had the pup's owner Megan Vitale running the gamut of emotions as North Reading officers and firefighters revived Bodhi.

Officers Jorge Hernandez, Peter DiPietro and Joseph Aleo started helping the pup. Assisted by firefighters, the first responders gave Bodhi chest compressions and back blows and ultimately dislodged the food. Bodhi was revived and given oxygen with a special mask designed for pets.

Over the past few years, the firefighters have received specialized training in how to respond to emergencies involving pets.

"Many of our firefighters have pets at home in their own families," Fire Chief Don Stats said. "We do not get to choose the emergency situation that comes our way, so it is important that first responders be prepared for anything."

Thanks to some quick thinking and that special training, the dog was able to leave with his owners and was treated by his veterinarian.

"These police officers and firefighters had the equipment, the training, and the compassion that it took to save this puppy from choking to death," said PETA Vice President Colleen O'Brien in a statement. "PETA hopes this story will inspire others to act quickly when animals are in danger."

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, "animals are not ours to abuse in any way"—will send the North Reading Police Department and the North Reading Fire Department each a framed certificate and a box of vegan cookies. The fire department will also receive a copy of The Engine 2 Diet—a Texas firefighter's 28-day plan for staying in prime firefighting shape by eating vegan meals.