A puppy that survived last weekend's Humane Society fire that took nearly 100 animals' lives and stole the hearts of local animal lovers arrived at his new home Thursday.
Firefighters at Station 28 who rescued the dog from under a pile of debris Saturday morning decided on the spot to adopt him. They've named him Lucky.
"I think he is going to be a great dog," firefighter Rod Ziriak said. "I think he is going to be a great station dog. I am just glad to have him here."
Firefighter Josh Miller is the one who found Lucky alive in room where many cats and puppies died. As they were clearing hot spots after the blaze was contained, they saw a board move.
"He was under a board, about chest deep in water," Miller said. "I could not believe he was alive. I just picked him up I was just astonished and brought him out and said, 'This is a station dog.'"
Lucky was taken to stay at a veterinary clinic in Orange Park until he got a clean bill of health to be adopted.
"Yeah, people have dropped off some puppy food and stuff like that," Ziriak said. "It's great how everybody is thinking of him."
The firefighters that adopted the puppy named him Lucky. He's not the only dog that survived the fire that Station 28 has taken in. One of the firefighters adopted a puppy named Coaly for his family. A dog named Flower is being cared for by another firefighter.
The guys at the station told Channel 4's Jim Piggott this is how they like to help.
"The call for need never goes unanswered," Jones. "If anyone needs us, we are there -- always. That is the way it's been for each other's animals people."
Lucky is going to have some interesting training as there are three shifts and a lot of dads to show him the ropes.
Previous Stories:
- April 11, 2007: Fire Investigators Release Humane Society's Inspection Reports
- April 10, 2007: Dogs Return To Kennels After Humane Society Fire
- April 10, 2007: Humane Society Considers Partnership With City After Costly Fire
- April 10, 2007: PETA Gives 'Compassionate Firefighter' Award To JRFD
- April 9, 2007: Dozens Of Pets Killed In Blaze At Humane Society
- April 8, 2007: Dozens Of Animals Killed In Jacksonville Shelter Fire
- April 7, 2007: Fire Destroys Humane Society
