SEATTLE — Firehouse staff in rural Washington said six puppies revived after a suspected fentanyl overdose are expected to be available for adoption soon, and some may go to people at the station that helped save them.
Two people dropped off three of the sickened puppies at Sky Valley Fire on Sunday, about an hour’s drive northeast of Seattle, officials said. Authorities believe the animals either breathed or ate fentanyl.
Firefighters sprayed the opioid-reversal medicine naloxone up the puppies’ noses and also treated them with oxygen, officials said, adding that they performed CPR. Battalion Chief Brandon Vargas said Tuesday that it wasn’t long before the puppies’ tails started wagging after the treatment.
In parallel, sheriff’s deputies tracked down the people believed to have dropped off the dogs. Deputies found three more puppies that also needed treatment, authorities said, bringing the total number of puppies involved to six.
Authorities said the pair claimed they were caring for the puppies temporarily. An animal cruelty or neglect investigation is underway, officials said.
David Byrd, manager of Snohomish County Animal Services, said the puppies have a clean bill of health but are being quarantined for about one more week before being released for adoption. Byrd’s account suggested the shelter could release the animals shortly after the additional quarantine period ends.
The Everett animal shelter overseeing the puppies’ health said it has been overwhelmed with adoption offers and asked people not to call with questions about the dogs. Vargas said some personnel are interested in wanting to adopt the puppies that were saved.
The incident also echoes other national cases in which pets have been revived after being exposed to fentanyl or other opioids.