Puppy rescued from Cape Girardeau vehicle fire returns to visit firefighters who saved him

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) — A puppy rescued last month from a vehicle fire by the Cape Girardeau Fire Department returned Wednesday to visit Fire Station No. 1 as he continues his recovery.

Firefighters responded to a vehicle fire on South Sprigg Street when temperatures were near 13 degrees Fahrenheit. After extinguishing the fire, crews discovered a young puppy alive in the back seat of the abandoned vehicle.

The puppy was removed and taken to a nearby convenience store, where firefighters administered oxygen using a pet oxygen mask donated by Mac’s Mission.

One of the responding firefighters temporarily took the puppy home and named him Ember. The following day, the firefighter took Ember to a veterinarian for continued treatment before transferring him to Southeast Missouri Pets, also known as SEMO Pets, after determining he could not keep the dog.

Ember remains under the care of veterinarian Colleen Retz and is receiving medications and breathing treatments. Shelter officials said they are hopeful he will make a full recovery and be available for adoption.

According to his foster parent, Ember is doing much better but is still healing from a small spot on the top of his head that is being treated with ointment and is slowly improving. He is expected to be available for adoption beginning Feb. 26.

SEMO Pets is accepting donations to help cover Ember’s medical expenses and support other animals in need. Donations can be made through Facebook, via PayPal at hssemo@semopets.org, through Venmo at @semopets, or by mail or in person at 180 Weston St., Cape Girardeau, Missouri 63701.

Officials thanked the Cape Girardeau Fire Department and first responders for their actions, crediting them with saving the puppy’s life.

Related links: Cape Girardeau firefighters rescue puppy from vehicle fire – KBSI FOX23 News Cape Girardeau News | Paducah News