A six year old beagle from Kitsap, WA is breathing a little easier thanks to the work of quick thinking firefighters who saved his life. Barkley was removed from his home by firefighters after they responded to a call shortly after 11 a.m. Monday. When they arrived the kitchen of the home was engulfed in flames, and heavy black smoke was pouring from the windows.
Barkley was eventually found by a firefighter, but the dog had been overcome by smoke inhalation. Neighbors and nervous family members looked on as his limp body was carried from the burning home. Tacoma Community College paramedic student Katie Heinz fitted a pet mask on Barkley and began oxygen therapy as his family stood nearby, crying and hugging one another, fearing their pet lost.
To their disbelief, in just a matter of minutes the intern was able to revive the unconscious dog. They watched as his lifeless body began to draw breath, and remarkably, Barkley was soon running around and wagging his tail, greeting the firefighters who gave him a second chance at life and visiting with his relieved family.
Fortunately nobody was hurt in the blaze, and the Bremerton Fire Department and Central Kitsap Fire and Rescue were able to get the fire under control in short order. The Bremerton fire marshal’s office will investigate to determine the cause.
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