Touching Video Shows Detroit Firefighter Reviving Dogs Using His Own Oxygen Mask

Posted on June 11, 2012 at 8:00am by Jonathon M. Seidl
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It’s rare you get to see a dramatic fire rescue on video. It’s probably even rarer that you get to see a successful fire rescue involving two dogs.

In a video posted in March, but which has largely gone unnoticed and is now starting to gain attention, a Detroit firefighter is seen carrying the limp bodies of two dogs out of a burning house, one of which is a puppy. The owner is heard yelling “Did you get my dog out?” as the firefighter emerges.

After laying the dogs on the grass, the firefighter then takes off his oxygen mask and places it over the mouths of both dogs as the owner pets them. Eventually, they both regain consciousness.

Here’s how it all unfolded:

It’s unclear when the footage was captured, but the clip is part of a larger documentary called “Burn: One Year on the Front Lines of the Battle to Save Detroit.” The film was a hit at the Tribeca Film Festival this spring, but the creators are still trying to secure funds for a larger release.

You can watch the trailer, shot in 2009, below:

“BURN is a character-driven documentary about Detroit, told through the eyes of Detroiters who are on the front lines, trying to rescue and rebuild it,” the film’s website says. “BURN will follow the firefighters, the men and women charged with the thankless task of saving a city that many have written off as dead. We’ll also look at the educators, the reformers, the activists, the enthusiasts — those who have the vision and the heart to bring a forgotten American dream back to Detroit.”

(H/T: Daily Mail)

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Comments (49)

SK-1
Posted on June 12, 2012 at 12:33am
Ironic part is…4 mts. later the same dog owner carjacks the Fireman’s SUV… Then uses it to take his pits fighting!!
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copper107
Posted on June 11, 2012 at 11:45pm
Gee saved from the fire and then probably sent straight to hell. Sorry to say but, this individual doesn’t look like he is employed. He is wearing gang clothing and by the way…In the beginning of the video he rudely and confrontationally queires the firefighters, “Did you get my dogs out? Did YOU GET MY DOGS OUT?” He managed to keep his ball cap on instead of getting his own dogs out. another example of government taking care of you. Sorry for the dogs!!!
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DGuy
Posted on June 11, 2012 at 8:51pm
The owner of the dog first needs to pull his pants up. He looks like an idiot…

Then he needs to get a JOB and buy some ‘good’ dogs. Those pits were NOT worth a fireman risking his life to save. WHY did the dogs not follow the owner OUT of the home??? (because pitts are NOT very smart)
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- FlamingFartSyndrome
  Posted on June 11, 2012 at 9:10pm
  Id like to see you in a situation like that. I thought the owner was a stand up guy, shaking the firefighters hand and it takes a good person to care more about dogs than a house. You should be ashamed of yourself, but trolls never are.
  Report Post »
- TheYoungForProsperity
  Posted on June 11, 2012 at 10:52pm
  It’s people like you that give pitbulls a bad name, never giving them a chance. It‘s not the dog’s fault on how he/she was raised. Pitbulls are only agressive because their owners train them to be that way. I don’t care much for pitbulls, but they didn’t grow up stupid… unlike you that is. Your pathetic.
  Report Post »
- copper107
  Posted on June 11, 2012 at 11:50pm
  Why didn’t the owner grab the dogs on the way out of the house? Bet if the dogs didn’t survive the “owner” would have tried to sue. Loss of livelihood, can’t fight his pitts. Sheeeet man, there were gonna make me some money!!!
  Report Post »
- DGuy
  Posted on June 16, 2012 at 10:33am
  Ever notice how pitts NEVER make it to the list of ‘smartest dog breeds’???
  Report Post »
nativetexanne
Posted on June 11, 2012 at 6:48pm
the point here is so obvious….a dedicated man did something that not only saved the lives of two dogs, but may have influenced another man in a very positive way. Wish we had a President who did that.
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- copper107
  Posted on June 11, 2012 at 11:54pm
  Kudos to the firefighter! He saved the dogs!! I am afraid a worse fate awaits them now. They will still be used for dog fighting. So terribly sad.
  Report Post »
OhSnappage
Posted on June 11, 2012 at 6:15pm
The kid seems genuine in his concern for the dogs and appreciative of the firemen that helped him out.

Now, maybe he can take a memo from these firemen career choices and make something of himself, starting by pulling his pants up wear a shirt thats his size and try not strutting around with an arrogant attitude, and take those stupid spike collars off your pets. Man up, educate yourself, and get a career.
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- kowdung
  Posted on June 11, 2012 at 6:43pm
  I live only blocks from 8 Mile, the Detroit border. Driving down 8 Mile the contrast between the cities is astonishing. Detroit has been run by thugs for decades and nothing will change until the head is cut off. There really are kids in Detroit who only need a chance. Detroit can be a great place again, but I doubt it will happen in my lifetime.
  Report Post »
Coffeehead
Posted on June 11, 2012 at 5:53pm
Hey, it’s a stupid dog….and a future killer pit bull too. Nice effort by the fireman, but it doesn’t make him a hero. How can these welfare cheats (I’m guessing here) afford dogs.
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- jmjone
  Posted on June 11, 2012 at 6:30pm
  May you one day be drowning in a lake and a magnificant, strong swimmer, WATER RESCUE TRAINED Labrador Retriever walk right by you and leave you to die a slow, painful death.
  Report Post »
powedj
Posted on June 11, 2012 at 4:49pm
The owner of the dogs look like gangstas.
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Jenny Lind
Posted on June 11, 2012 at 2:40pm
I did not know about the animal masks, but I think as we have so many dogs in the area I live in, it would be a good thing to pay for one-or what ever I can afford when I find out the cost. I would love to do that in memory of the two great schnauzers I lost last year. I have never had anything but respect for firemen, whatever they are paid, probably isn’t enough. God bless them and their families.
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- pccop
  Posted on June 11, 2012 at 3:00pm
  We have the masks. They were donated by our local humane society. They are very inexpensive and i’ve seen them work on many occasions. Here is a link. http://wagnpetsafety.com/pet_oxygen_masks.html
  Report Post »
2012hey
Posted on June 11, 2012 at 2:35pm
The story that is not being told is – perhaps the fire was started by the occupant’s METH LAB. I love dogs but.. these two pit bulls with THAT owner – nothing good is gonna come from this rescue.
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- mrt1424
  Posted on June 11, 2012 at 4:58pm
  So is it a meth lab because he’s from the inner city, because it’s Detroit, or because he’s black? And let’s also stereotype that all pitbulls are bad dogs.
  
  Rather classy of you…
  Report Post »
- thebronze
  Posted on June 11, 2012 at 8:46pm
  Very few Blacks are involved in using or manufacturing Methamphetamine. Meth is almost an exclusively White drug.
  Report Post »
pccop
Posted on June 11, 2012 at 2:03pm
As a firefighter I know that this type of thing happens several times a day in this country. You never know what is in a house when you go in. Personally I have seen an Alligator, Aggressive dogs, hundreds of cats, 10 ft snakes and men with guns. No matter what our job is to save them all.

The problem I have is that we are a pawn for pollitical causes. Our own Unions, our local, state, and federal politicians all try to ride on the backs of those who serve and protect. You hear Obama say we need more federal money to save public service jobs even when local governments are mismanaging money. Then you have ole Mitt saying we don’t need more public service jobs. Let me say that I’m not whining because firefighters have large shoulders and strong backs so we can take anything they pile on. Cut us to the quick and if any of us are left we will be there to help you, your animal, or your neighbor with the same intesity we use now. We ask for nothing from the public but the respect due us and a decient wage. If you see us out say thanks or a simple smile is sufficient. Just remember that what you hear from politicians about us is just them using us in a self serving manner. God Bless
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- johnjamison
  Posted on June 11, 2012 at 2:38pm
  Where I grew up the fire department was all volunteers and we had fund raisers and events to raise money for equipment. I respect for the fire department but I think it’s unions just like other public sector unions are bleed the tax payers dry.
  Report Post »
- Mil-Dot
  Posted on June 11, 2012 at 2:56pm
  I don’t think most people begrudge firefighters,cops or govt workers in general. But, the benefits and pensions have gotten so out of control and out of sync with the private sector that it is ridiculous. Nowhere in the private sector can somebody work for 20-25 years then retire with full salary and health care for life. The govt constantly takes our freedoms and money from us, regulates businesses to the point that they leave the country, create laws criminalizing every aspect of our existence in order to extract every last dime we have etc., all the while bequeathing incredible pay and authority to themselves. We scrape to get by and the govt employees live like kings and queens on our backs. People are quite sick of this. It is an “us vs them” mentality. The govt and it’s workers act as though we are the enemy that needs to be beaten down, controlled and taken from. And, they circle the wagons selfishly attempting to defend this thievery. That is what the problem is.
  Report Post »
- thesnark
  Posted on June 11, 2012 at 4:59pm
  @PCCOP
  
  Thank you!
  Report Post »
Cavy from VA
Posted on June 11, 2012 at 1:00pm
God bless the Firemen … Just remember … DOG is GOD spelled backwards!
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- yougottabekidding
  Posted on June 11, 2012 at 1:25pm
  To all of these professional and many volunteers that run in
  when we run out
  Unless you are around one of these hero’s when the alarm
  goes off and the words come across “with entrapment” you
  just don’t understand.
  
  A heart felt THANK YOU
  Report Post »
dontbotherme
Posted on June 11, 2012 at 12:35pm
Yay! Good job firefighters! So glad they were able to revive the dogs!
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- Dustoff
  Posted on June 11, 2012 at 12:47pm
  Yikes.
  
  Everyone FYI. We do not breath 02. It just high pressure air and nothing more.
  Breathing (Oxygen) in a fire is like carrying a can of gas in a fire.
  
  Great job though, yet I would have used 02 bottle off the rig instead. Works faster and better.
  Report Post »
- yougottabekidding
  Posted on June 11, 2012 at 1:09pm
  Here is something the idiots at PETA could actually do some
  good. But they won’t. Do you know they make rescue masks
  for fire depts for this very thing. Come on PETA instead of spending
  money being terrorists buy them for fire departments.
  Show us you really care!!!!!!
  Report Post »
- ICanComment
  Posted on June 11, 2012 at 2:15pm
  …I was about to say what both of you said!
  
  (SCBAs and compressed air) I would have used oxygen on the truck, too. I’m certainly not knocking what the firefighter did — I just don’t understand how it would have helped. Being out in the outside air should do the same thing, except it’s not pressurized?
  
  In an unusually well funded firehouse I served in in the past, we actually had a couple of animal masks that fit over a dog’s snout. Sometimes animal lovers, humane societies, etc, donate them. In a pinch, I’ve seen others use a human oxygen mask for this with some success.
  
  Man, I don‘t think I’d share my SCBA mask with a dog, although in the moment, who knows? Kudos to the guy who did that.
  Report Post »
kickagrandma
Posted on June 11, 2012 at 12:34pm
GOD BLESS YOU, FIREFIGHTERS!!! Well done. Very well done.

Maybe the dogs’ owner learned something about courage, professionalism and grace.

That would be a good, GOD thing.
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dabbob
Posted on June 11, 2012 at 11:58am
They should have let the pit bulls die and then smothered the owner.
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- Fubared
  Posted on June 11, 2012 at 12:56pm
  Why? Barry would love one on a stick with curry, maybe just some hot sauce. Pit bulls, thugs, Detroit. Hmm. Is this a racist story or just the new inner city norm?
  Report Post »
- ICanComment
  Posted on June 11, 2012 at 2:19pm
  Anything goes on a comment board, I guess.
  Report Post »
- LB
  Posted on June 11, 2012 at 2:32pm
  Pit Bulls are only mean if raised by someone mean. Do not judge all as bad.
  Report Post »
GrayPanther
Posted on June 11, 2012 at 10:45am
These pit bulls were not the problem but the victim of stupid masters. Two extra points for the Detroit fireman and his rescue.
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SheriS
Posted on June 11, 2012 at 10:09am
Lived in Detroit area in the mid 70′s—-vert sad to say it is in worse shape then it was when we lived in the suburbs—–seldom traveled further then my home then 6 miles to go to a safe shopping center! Feared for my life even in my own house the whole time! Feel very sad for the people who live in a very sick city!
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grandmaof5
Posted on June 11, 2012 at 9:08am
There are really some TOOLS who write on this site. It is sad that Detroit is being flushed down the toilet, even after there was a viable plan to help bring it back. God bless our firefighters and police officers who put their lives on the line daily and keep them safe. It shows the character of these individuals that they went to such lengths to save these dogs. Maybe if the maker of this film gets together with the Kendricks (Courageous, Fireproof, etc) they can help him out. Hope all works out.
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Dismayed Veteran
Posted on June 11, 2012 at 9:01am
No jokes. When everyone is running out, they are running in. Remember the Towers.
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eagle
Posted on June 11, 2012 at 8:54am
The dog owner was ill-mannered and appeared to be giving the firefighter a hard time.
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- Want our country back
  Posted on June 11, 2012 at 9:04am
  My thoughts too, wondered if he even said thanks…
  Report Post »
- graceunderfire
  Posted on June 11, 2012 at 10:04am
  He did shake one of the firefighters’ hands in the video.
  Report Post »
- Melika
  Posted on June 11, 2012 at 10:05am
  Well, he didn’t shoot or stab him, so for him he probably WAS being polite. He is from Detroit.
  Report Post »
- blue1701
  Posted on June 11, 2012 at 11:17am
  Please. Did you even watch the video? The man asks about his dogs obviously concerned. When the firefighter starts to put his mask on the dogs the man pats him on the back and continues to pet his dog. After the dogs revive the man goes to shake the firefighters hand. I would say he was very thankfull.
  Report Post »
salvawhoray
Posted on June 11, 2012 at 8:34am
I’m sure the brother was using them as fighting dogs.
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- ICanComment
  Posted on June 11, 2012 at 2:22pm
  Wow, you’re clairvoyant? That’s a heck of a good skill to have.
  Report Post »
RepubliCorp
Posted on June 11, 2012 at 8:21am
If the firefighters were a little slower Obama could of had dinner
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biohazard23
Posted on June 11, 2012 at 8:17am
Good job, firefighters! Poor little dogs…. Thank God everybody appears to be safe. :)
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ashestoashes
Posted on June 11, 2012 at 8:08am
God Bless those precious firefighters..Men with hearts..
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- RightUnite
  Posted on June 11, 2012 at 8:16am
  Amen!
  Report Post »

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