Cape Girardeau firefighters rescue puppy from vehicle fire

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) — Firefighters with the Cape Girardeau Fire Department rescued a puppy from a vehicle fire on South Sprigg Street amid freezing temperatures, and the dog continues to receive veterinary care, officials said.

Engine 1 responded to the fire when temperatures were near 13 degrees Fahrenheit. After extinguishing the fire, firefighters discovered a young puppy alive in the back seat of the abandoned vehicle.

The puppy was removed from the vehicle 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 is currently under the care of veterinarian Colleen Retz and is receiving medications and breathing treatments. Shelter officials said they are hopeful the puppy will make a full recovery and be available for adoption.

SEMO Pets is asking for donations to help cover Ember’s medical care 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 SEMO Pets, 180 Weston St., Cape Girardeau, Mo. 63701.

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