A sad update: First the good news. Prince George’s police say they’ve made an arrest in connection with the fire, which was ruled an arson. Here’s the bad: The dogs aren’t doing well.
“Mylo,” a 3-year-old chihuahua, is experiencing eye irritation either from burns or debris. “Otis,” a 2-year-old chihuahua, has not responded very well and may be experiencing the effects of smoke inhalation. Unfortunately, the family does not currently have the financial resources to have the dogs examined by a veterinarian. The medical condition of “Otis” sounds as if he may not survive unless treated in the very near future. The Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department has contacted the dogs’ owner and is working veterinary services to start treatment. The public may be asked for financial donations to help cover the costs of the treatment of these dogs, additional information will be forthcoming.
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Hearts, prepare to be warmed: Firefighters in Prince George’s County revived a chihuahua rescued from a house fire.
It took 36 firefighters to battle the blaze in the 12400 block of Sandal Lane in Bowie, Md. No people were injured and the home – which is in foreclosure but was occupied by one person – sustained an estimated $100,000 in damage, according to a report by Mark E. Brady, public information officer for the PG Fire Department. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Upon entering the home, firefighters found two dogs, one of whom (a chihuahua) was “near death.”
Firefighters used Pet Oxygen Masks, donated to the Fire/EMS Department by various groups, to revive the dogs. After a period of oxygen therapy, the Chihuahua became alert and started trembling. The other small black dog responded and appeared to be in good condition.
The dogs’ owner was allowed to take them after being interviewed by investigators.