Swift action by first responders saved the lives of seven Labrador dogs that were discovered unconscious in a burning garage.
According to Indiana State Police, authorities were dispatched to a fire call at 535 South 500 West shortly after 4 p.m. An ISP trooper along with two Porter County Sheriff deputies, two Hebron Police officers and the Hebron Fire Chief arrived on scene and discovered thick smoke coming from a garage.
Before firefighters arrived, first responders rushed into the structure and removed the unconscious dogs, apparently suffering from smoke inhalation. Two of the dogs were pregnant.
Once they exited the structure, first responders immediately began C.P.R. on the canines, attempting to provide oxygen and revive them. When EMS arrived on scene, they were able to use “pet masks” to help get oxygen to the dogs.
Officers transported the dogs to local animal hospitals for treatment. All the dogs survived.
According to Boone Grove Fire Chief Mike Meinert, this was only the third time in ten years that the department has used the pet masks. He added that the masks had been donated by a caring citizen.
Nobody was home at the time of the blaze and authorities said the did not appear suspicious. Meinert said the fire may have been caused by a heat lamp in the garage.
