Wellesley Firefighters Receive PETA Award for Dramatic Rescue of Dog

Rescuers Retrieve Terrified Animal From Frigid River

For Immediate Release:
March 10, 2015

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382

Courtesy of PETA, a Compassionate Fire Department Award is on its way to the Wellesley Fire Department, which received a harrowing call from a bystander who found Cooper, a missing dog, clinging to a patch of branches and ice 40 feet from the shore of the Charles River. The firefighters leapt into action, and in just 20 minutes, Cooper was pulled to safety and reunited with his family.

“When this frightened dog’s life hung in the balance, these courageous rescuers came through for him,” says PETA Senior Director Colleen O’Brien. “PETA hopes this 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”—reminds all dog guardians to keep their animal companions near them on walks with a leash and a comfortable, secure harness and to keep a close eye on them when they’re outside.

This is the second PETA award for the Wellesley Fire Department, which was previously recognized for saving a dog named Crosby from the Charles River. The department will receive a framed certificate, a box of delicious vegan chocolates, 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.