Knoxville Firefighters Receive PETA Award for Saving Dog From Burning Home

First Responders Revive Unconscious Dog With Oxygen

For Immediate Release:
May 5, 2015

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382

Courtesy of PETA, a Compassionate Fire Department Award is on its way to the City of Knoxville Fire Department, which found Bella the dog unconscious on the floor of her burning home when they arrived at the scene. First responders carried her outside, administered oxygen, and poured water over Bella to cool down her core body temperature. Bella was able to walk by the time she was rushed to a local animal care center for observation, and she has since been reunited with her human family of five. Her guardian, Cherie Cuervo, told news sources, “It means the world, she’s my baby. I just couldn’t breathe without her.”

“The quick response of these brave firefighters prevented a tragedy for this dog and her family,” says PETA Senior Director Colleen O’Brien. “PETA hopes their story will inspire others to come to the aid of animals in need.”

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—encourages all animal guardians to put a sign on doors or windows to alert rescue workers to the presence of animal companions. Families can order stickers from the PETA Catalog or make their own.

The City of Knoxville Fire Department will receive a framed certificate, a box of delicious vegan cookies, and a copy of The Engine 2 Diet—a Texas firefighter’s 28-day plan for staying in prime firefighting shape by eating a plant-based diet.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.