Firefighters Save Puppy From Burning Car in 13° Cold

When firefighters arrived at a burning vehicle on South Sprigg Street in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, they had no idea they'd be saving more than property that night.

After putting out the flames in brutal 13-degree weather, Engine 1 crew members discovered a young puppy alive in the back seat of the abandoned car. The tiny survivor was quickly removed and rushed to a nearby convenience store for emergency care.

Using a pet oxygen mask donated by Mac's Mission, firefighters administered life-saving treatment on the spot. One firefighter brought the puppy home that night, naming him Ember after his fiery rescue.

The next day, Ember went to a veterinarian for continued treatment before being transferred to Southeast Missouri Pets when his temporary caretaker realized he couldn't keep him permanently. Today, veterinarian Colleen Retz is caring for Ember with medications and breathing treatments.

Sunny's Take

This rescue shows how prepared modern fire departments have become for saving all kinds of lives. The pet oxygen mask that helped Ember breathe came from Mac's Mission, an organization dedicated to helping animals with special needs. That small donation made the difference between life and death in those critical first minutes.

The firefighter who took Ember home didn't hesitate to open his door to a scared, smoke-exposed puppy in the middle of a freezing night. That's the kind of compassion that ripples through entire communities.

SEMO Pets shelter officials say they're hopeful Ember will make a full recovery and find his forever home soon. The shelter is accepting donations to cover his medical care and help other animals in need through Facebook, PayPal at hssemo@semopets.org, Venmo at @semopets, or in person at 180 Weston St., Cape Girardeau.

Shelter officials credited the Cape Girardeau Fire Department's quick actions with saving Ember's life, proving that heroes come in many forms.