Cause For Paws
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🐶 Abandoned beach pup becomes hometown hero

🐶 Abandoned beach pup becomes hometown hero

PLUS: Our California rescue spotlight and top training tip

Cause For Paws
September 07, 2023

👋 Happy Thursday! Today, we’ve got some extra-heartwarming stories from the world of pet rescues.

In today’s Cause for Paws:

🧑‍🚒 Beagle gets adopted by firefighters and becomes local hero
🧠 A great technique to teach your pup the “leave it!” command
🇺🇲 Our 50 State Rescue Challenge: California Edition
🐾 Paw Profiles – 3 big-hearted rescues ready for adoption

🚒 Riggs’ heartwarming story from abandoned pup to Firehouse ambassador

Source: East Haven Fire Department

For most pups, a trip to the beach is something to look forward to. But for one abandoned pup, it quickly turned into a nightmare.

Little Riggs, just 6 months old, was left locked inside a sweltering car at a public beach in East Haven, Connecticut.

As temperatures soared to 122 degrees inside the vehicle, the poor beagle mix was trapped with no way out.

Thankfully, local authorities were alerted to the dangerous situation. Police and animal control searched frantically for the missing owner, as firefighters raced to the scene.

With no owner coming forward and the heat intensifying, they knew they had to act fast.

The fire crew carefully opened the car and pulled Riggs to safety. Despite his traumatic experience, he was found in remarkably good health.

Riggs was taken to the East Haven Animal Shelter, where many families expressed interest in adopting this sweet survivor.

But a fierce debate erupted in town over who would ultimately care for Riggs. The police department argued they could provide a stable home. Even the Mayor, Joseph Carfora, pleaded to adopt the pup.

In the end, the firefighters came out on top. They felt an instant bond with Riggs, and wanted to make him part of their team permanently.

As Fire Chief Matt Marcarelli explained, "We took an immediate liking to him and decided he’d be a good fit for us." And so, Riggs officially joined the East Haven Fire Department as their Station Support Dog.

The firefighters suggested fitting names like Cinder and Ash, but ended up letting the community decide his name.

In a vote with over 700 participants, Riggs emerged as the clear winner - both a common name for a fire truck and a nod to Riggs' strength and resilience.

“He is an official ambassador for the department and the residents. Riggs is an Eastie now," Mayor Carfora said.

Riggs has already acclimated seamlessly to station life. He brings comfort and joy to firefighters facing trauma daily. As the Chief shared, "We see a lot of tragedy...he’s going to be one of those ways to help us."

This heartwarming adoption story reminds us not to judge a dog by their circumstances. Despite being abandoned, Riggs’ friendly and loyal spirit shone through.

Given patience and care, he flourished in his new home. His journey inspires us to give deserving animals a chance, just as the East Haven firefighters did.

The firefighters recognized Riggs’ potential and now he is thriving. Their compassion changed one puppy’s life for the better - proof that our actions can make all the difference.