April 6 was a night like any other night. There was a slight breeze in the air, but otherwise, the night was calm. All was well on San Marino Avenue, just down the hill from the Vista neighborhood in Vallejo. It was about 7:30 when she looked over to check on her large puppy, Queenie. When she reached down into the dog's bed, her world temporarily stood still.
That is when the night changed.
Her Border Collie mix female dog, recently adopted from the local Humane Society, was in dire trouble. Queenie had somehow wrapped her body around a torn blanket in her dog bed, which had disabled her movements. The shredded blanket had tightened around Queenie's legs and body so badly that she was in grave physical danger. As my neighbor tried to touch Queenie, her puppy cried in agony. As Queenie lay whimpering and crying, my neighbor panicked in fear.
She called her son in Concord. He came immediately. He too could be of no help or consolation to Queenie. In total desperation, they called 911. The compassionate and patient woman at Dispatch calmly said "I think this calls for the Vallejo Fire Department." Within minutes, Vallejo firefighters showed up at the door. Queenie was still in great pain, yelping, moaning and crying. It took all of them, along with the son, to determine their approach. They then threw a blanket over the puppy's head. They all gently held Queenie as one of them cut through the entire entanglement and wrappings binding her body.
These firefighters became the instant heroes of the night.
My neighbor boasted that these men were the most wonderful, and the most strong and handsome guys she had dealt with in many years. "They could not have been more gracious, more polite, more kind or more helpful to us," she said. At the end of this bad story turned good, the firefighters gave one another high fives, handshakes, and hugs. They avoided a tragedy. Queenie's tail could not stop wagging. Another successful accomplishment in their busy, help-filled days.
Vallejo's First Responders are the very backbone of this city. They are called upon to do many challenging things. In this case, their quick attentiveness, gentleness, and positive patient attitude were moving and magnificent. They saved Queenie, and saved the day.
Many thanks are extended to Captain Kevin Brown, Engineer Kyle Potter, and Firefighter Kevin Henry for their efforts in saving a dog and making our neighbors warmly comforted and very, very happy. They will never forget each of you. You are all extremely appreciated.
— Paula McConnell/Vallejo
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