Pet Heroes! Fast Acting Firefighters Save Two Dogs in Watervliet

It’s a fear that many pet owners have: what would happen to my furry family members if something went wrong while I was at work? Maybe you have a rescue alert sticker like the kind recommended by the ASPCA that tells first responders how many pets to look for in your home in case of an emergency. Maybe you’ve alerted your neighbors to be on the lookout or to inform emergency crews about your pets. In this case, sometimes its best to also tell them about where your pets like to hide, too, so they’re not overlooked.

When a fire broke out late Tuesday morning between the houses at 1551, 1553, and 1555 3^rd Avenue in Watervliet, two German Shepherds were home alone while their owner was out for the day. As the building became engulfed in flames, the Watervliet Fire Department was called and successfully rescued both animals from the home without injuries to either party.

The German Shepherds seemed to take the day in stride, balancing the property damage out with lots of pets and hugs from neighbors, fire crews, and police officers on the scene. First responders had the fire under control within a half hour. 1553 and 1555 sustained heavy damage, while 1551 only took some smoke and water damage.

According to the American Red Cross of Eastern New York Twitter account, both dogs have since been returned to their owner, who is getting Red Cross assistance. The cause of the fire is still being investigated.