A Cobb County fire crew got an unusually adorable follow-up assignment this week: reuniting with 15 puppies they helped deliver after an emergency C-section.
Firefighters from Station 21 had completed animal CPR and pet-care certification through VEG ER for Pets. On their very next shift, they were called to assist veterinarians with a pregnant dog experiencing serious labor complications, FOX 5 Atlanta reported.
The training was used immediately
During the delivery, firefighters helped clear placental sacs, suction airways and noses, assist with medications and move newborn puppies into incubators. Crew members said the process felt surprisingly similar to caring for human newborns.
Veterinarian Dr. Lauren Savoy credited the extra hands and fast response with helping the puppies survive. The delivery itself happened in August, but firefighters returned in October and found animals that had grown from palm-sized newborns into much larger puppies.
A first for many on the crew
Some Cobb fire crews already train for emergencies involving police and fire dogs, but the Station 21 certification was the first general pet CPR course for many of the firefighters involved.
It is not yet clear whether any of the firefighters will adopt one of the puppies. At least one crew member said taking home an animal they helped deliver would be a unique ending to the story.
