A dog who was rescued from a house fire left animal rescuers open mouthed – after she changed colour.
Biscuit was taken to Bristol Animal Rescue Centre by firefighters as an emergency admission following a house fire in the city in January.
The poorly pup was taken to the centre’s clinic by RSPCA animal collection officer Ellie Jones who had received a call for help from Avon Fire and Rescue Service.
Biscuit was given oxygen using special masks by fire crews and needed urgent care to save her life due to suffering with smoke inhalation.
Ellie said: “When I arrived the amazing firefighters had already managed to help Biscuit and were giving her oxygen to help her breathe.
“Thankfully the fire crew were able to get her out quickly and - thanks to the pet oxygen masks - give vital oxygen to enable full recovery.
“I was concerned for her welfare so once she’d had some oxygen I gave her a check over and took her to Bristol Animal Rescue Centre to be seen by a vet.”
When Biscuit, a crossbreed, arrived at the centre, staff thought she was a grey dog.
But everything was not as it seemed.
Jenny Crowell, from Bristol Animal Rescue Centre, said: “When poor Biscuit first arrived everyone thought she was a grey dog but a soothing bath quickly proved otherwise.
“Biscuit has now fully recovered and is doing well.”
The RSPCA and Smokey Paws teamed up in 2017 to provide specialist animal oxygen therapy kits to every fire service operating in England and Wales.
The RSPCA teamed up with the charity to help fund the kits in an effort to roll them out across the country.
As part of the scheme, life-saving kits were bought by RSPCA’s regional branches which are now in use by fire crews across the west country.
Ellie added: “Pets can be extremely vulnerable to the dangers of house fires, particularly smoke inhalation.
“Our fire services do an amazing job and our partnership with Smokey Paws is our way of helping our brave firefighters by equipping them with specialist kit to help our beloved pets.
“This is just one example of how these simple kits can save the lives of animals who find themselves caught up in house fires.”
Having fully recovered Biscuit, who is believed to be aged between six and 10 years old, is now looking for a forever home.
If you think you have the perfect new home for Biscuit, please visit www.bristolarc.org.uk/rehoming/dogs/biscuit to find out more.
