risking a human life for a dog

[ArmyGSD]

As a police officer I would do what I must to save an animal, as a firefighter also I definately make an effort to "Scan" for animals, if I don't find them, then I am meant to assume they are outside, or unfortuately already heading toward the Bridge. But I would make that effort, and I do. I would like to think others out there would do the same.

[Sasha's Family]

GermanShepherd Dogs Will try and risk there lives for ours so we should try and save them because if you think deep they Are always Alert Basicly protecting us.

[Daisy1986]

I answered yes....it was a very tough question.

I just know if faced with the situation...if they did not I would.

[AZGSD]

OK I did fire / EMS for 10 years; so a big yes on this one for me.

More over if some moron says that is not fire's job to address animal issues / rescue when the risk is reasonable (being a little bit vague here deliberately) ask them this -- you respond to a 5 room house with a room and contents fire. Unoccupied, no exposures. Of course we all know fire will make entry and commence interior firefighting to attempt to save the structure / contents for the family who owns it. Firefighters can and have died doing just this but why? Why not surround and drown from the outside and say forget the value of the structure, and any belonging in it?

Fact is fire's charge is to protect life and mitigate property loss, so NO MATTER HOW YOU look at animals they are fire's problem when the risk / benefit is reasonable in the opinion of those fighting it. Again being vague here because it's always unique and we are not always right that is why guys sometimes die in the line of duty. We seek to minimize that of course but none the less fire risks life and limb for property every day, it's their job so they dam well can do so for animals when called upon.

If anyone wants to argue with an a-hole fire chief; use these terms and and you will win the argument or at a minimum get their attention.

BTW as well we get lots of injured animals in that fire HAS rescued and cared for so those of you who have run into twit's in fire are running into exceptions in my opinion.

[pjindy00]

I think I pretty much agree with TJ's orginal post - with the caveot that if it's reasonably safe to try to get my pets, please do so.

For that reason, however, I keep my pets in rooms that are easily accesible from the outside of the house - to help prevent the need for someone to tromp through a burning house to get to them (the only exception is my rat who is in my bedroom). Our cats and dogs are kept in rooms that for the cats have low windows on the side of the house that has a lot more room than the other side, and for the dogs their crates are in the room with our patio door. The doors to these rooms are kept shut when we are gone. There are multiple reasons for this, but making it most likely that my pets can be saved factors in as well.

[ILGHAUS]

Slightly off from OP question but related to topic ...

Much like what we do for our children, I believe that a dog or cat would benefit in seeing a "friendly firefighter" in their funny clothes. I've worked with children, Service Dogs, and Service Dogs in training, and am about ready to begin on a more formal style with some fosters and pets. This is helpful for those animals that need exposure for access testing be they working or just pets that are taken out into the public and would also be of help if the need ever came up for a firefighter to rescue your dog or cat.

Example: A pet who had experience with receiving treats and gentle strokes from a gloved hand would be less likely to try to dodge one.