Ferndale Firefighters Revive Kitten Rescued from Fire

(Crystal A. Proxmire, June 1, 2017)

Ferndale, MI – A kitten named Dumbo has a second chance at life after firefighers from the Ferndale Fire Department used a specially-made oxygen mask to revive it after saving it from a burning home.

The fire started Wednesday evening in the basement of a home on Jean Street.  According to Ferndale Fire Chief Kevin Sullivan, the investigation is ongoing but the cause was likely from an extension cord that had been worn through because it had been run underneath a carpet.

Firefighters Gary McMenamin and Matt Nutt found Dumbo in the hallway of the second floor.  “It was right near the top of the stairs like it had been trying to find a way out but the smoke had overtaken it.  It was just listless. But the guys carried it outside and started giving it oxygen,” Chief Sullivan said.  “The cat woke up and it was scared.  Imagine trying to get out of a burning house then waking up with strangers holding you and a mask on.  So, it dug its claws in a bit, but everyone was happy to see it was okay.”

The mask had been donated by Little Friends of Ferndale Veterinary Clinic.  “They gave us three, one for big dogs, one for medium-sized animals and a small one that was perfect for this kitten. The masks are conical shaped to fit over their longer faces and tight against their fur,” he said.  “We don’t have to use them often, but when we do it means a lot to the families so they don’t have to lose their family pet.”

The ten-week-old kitten survived along with the human residents of the home.  However there was enough damage to displace them.