Andrew Klein is a California first responder who works for the Santa Monica Fire Department. But Marley, a tiny dog, will always be remembered as a hero.
Youโll understand why soon. Marley and his mother live in an apartment building that caught fire earlier this week, trapping the small dog inside. Photographer Billy Fernando pulled over to observe firefighters at work while he was passing by and saw them rushing into the burning building.
He saw a life being saved at that point.
Fernando told The Dodo, โAs I stood outside, I saw Mr. Klein, a firefighter, running toward the grassy area by the curb with something in his hands.โ โAt first, I didnโt know what it was, but then I realized it was a pet that had been burned. The dog was sleeping, lying down, and not moving at all.
Klein stayed with the dog and started working.
After trying to bring the dog back to life with an oxygen mask at first, it seems to have become clear that more drastic steps were needed. โHe started CPR on the pet without hesitation a minute later,โ Fernando said, adding, โIt was an amazing moment.โ
The dogโs owner observed as the firefighter resumed his efforts to save Marley. โShe was horrified by it,โ stated Fernando. She feared the dog wouldnโt survive the journey.
Surprisingly, after twenty minutes of his efforts, the once-dead dog began to slowly stir. The owner of Marley was not the only one who exhaled deeply with relief.
โItโs as if a heavy burden was removed from my chest. โI was overcome with happiness and tears,โ Fernando stated. I observed the dog regain consciousness.
Marley gradually regained his vigor and, despite appearing bewildered, was no longer in imminent danger.
โThe owner was crying. Everyone was delighted with the conclusion. โWe are really proud of Andrew Kleinโs accomplishments with the Santa Monica Fire Department,โ stated Fernando. โFirefighters have always been my role models, and I admire them much for their contributions to the community. This event was truly a privilege to witness!โ
Kleinโs devotion to the small puppy will not soon be forgotten, despite the fact that he and other first responders who save lives for a livelihood may have viewed his actions as routine.
In reality, Marley was recently able to personally thank his hero.