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House fires are incredibly scary. Not just for people but for pets trapped inside. But this is a story unlike any other. In this story, a house fire may have SAVED an animal’s life. Pretty crazy, huh? It’s almost too surreal to believe!
The Lompoc Fire Department in California received an urgent call that a house was on fire. Once the firefighters arrived on the scene, the homeowner, Edward Vantassel, greeted them and informed them that his dog was trapped inside the burning house.
The firefighters did what so many of them do all the time: they risked their own lives to save another. What they found once they got to the puppy was appalling! The dog would have had ZERO chance of escaping on his own.
The crew found the puppy in a horrific state. “Firefighters located the dog inside of an overturned, weighted-down box in a room on the second floor of the residence,” the Lompoc Police Department said in a release. “Firefighters also discovered the dog’s muzzle and rear legs had been bound with rubber bands.”
Once the puppy was safely outside, he was freed from the rubber bands and given water to drink.
The firefighters were seen cuddling the pup, something he so desperately needed after such a frightening ordeal. He was then sent to the vet for treatment. They named the sweet pup “Pooh.”
Pooh is now safe and sound with his foster family, awaiting a forever home. He will finally have the chance at a happy and normal life!
Lompoc Fire Department
While things are looking up for Pooh, his owner is dealing with the consequences of his disgusting behavior. Vantassel was arrested and faces a felony count of cruelty to an animal. He is in jail with bail set at $100,000.
Lompoc Fire Department
No one is sure how extensive Pooh’s abuse was or how bad it may have gotten but what is certain is that the fire, instead of taking Pooh’s life, actually saved it.
This twist of fate put the real animal away and freed Pooh to live the life he truly deserves!
