WASHINGTON – Firefighters rescued a Chihuahua and a small black dog from a house fire in Bowie Wednesday morning.
Prince George’s County firefighters were called to the blaze in the 12400 block of Sandal Lane in Bowie about 9 a.m.
After bringing the fire under control, firefighters found the two small dogs on the first floor of the house. The Chihuahua was reported to be “near death.”
Rescuers used pet oxygen masks, which had been donated to the fire department, to revive the animals. The Chihuahua eventually became alert with the help of the oxygen therapy and began trembling.
The small black dog appeared to be in good condition after receiving the oxygen, the fire department says.
The dogs’ owner later arrived and was allowed to collect her pets after being interviewed by fire investigators.
The fire department says someone had been living in the home even though it is under foreclosure. The department is investigating the relationship between the occupant and the home’s owner.
The blaze caused heavy damage to the two-story Cape Cod-style home. And the loss is estimated at $100,000.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.