Six 10-week-old puppies in Gold Bar, Washington, were treated on Jan. 11 after suspected opioid (fentanyl) exposure. Firefighter-EMTs performed CPR, oxygen therapy and administered Naloxone before the animals were taken to a 24-hour urgent care veterinary clinic. All six are recovering and will be quarantined for at least a week before adoption, and some may be adopted by the first responders who rescued them.
Six 10-Week-Old Puppies Resuscitated After Suspected Fentanyl Exposure Will Be Offered New Homes
Sky Valley Fire DepartmentSky Valley Fire officers with the puppies
Six 10-week-old puppies in Gold Bar, Washington, who were treated after suspected opioid exposure are recovering and are expected to be made available for adoption, authorities said.
Rescue and Emergency Care
On Sunday, Jan. 11, three unresponsive puppies were brought to Sky Valley Fire Station 54. Firefighter-EMTs described the animals as being in critical condition with respiratory arrest. Because the three animals presented the same symptoms, crews suspected an environmental poisoning and provided immediate life-saving care.
Crews performed life-saving procedures, including CPR, oxygen therapy, and administered Naloxone (also known as Narcan).
Sheriff's deputies later located two people at a nearby home who were believed to be caring for the puppies and found three additional very sick pups there. Those animals were rushed to Station 54, where firefighter-EMTs provided further emergency treatment.
PBNJ Productions/GettyStock image of Fire truck
Recovery, Quarantine and Adoption Plans
All six puppies were transported to a 24-hour urgent care veterinary clinic and are reported to be recovering. Snohomish County Animal Services said the dogs will remain quarantined for at least a week before being cleared for adoption.
Officials said they suspected fentanyl exposure after observing similar symptoms in the animals and noting that powdered fentanyl can cause poisoning if introduced into the air. The two people found at the home told authorities they were temporarily caring for the puppies.
Sky Valley Fire thanked its crews, sheriff's deputies and the veterinary clinic for the rapid response. Battalion Chief Brandon Vargas told reporters that some first responders have expressed interest in adopting the puppies, and the shelter has already received many inquiries from the public.
Sky Valley Fire posted photos of the rescued puppies and the staff who assisted in saving them. People magazine and local outlets reported the incident; People has contacted Sky Valley Fire and Snohomish County Animal Services for further comment.
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