Clarksville Firefighters Nab Award for Saving Exhausted Dog on Hike

PETA Honors Rescuers for Pulling 100-Plus-Pound Dog Up From the Bottom of a Cliff

For Immediate Release:
June 22, 2018

Contact:
Megan Wiltsie 202-483-7382

A Compassionate Fire Department Award is on its way from PETA to the Clarksville Fire Department’s C-Crew, which came to the aid of a dog named Buddy who was stranded at the bottom of a 20- to 30-foot cliff in Lapping Park on Monday, when temperatures reached the high 90s. He had been hiking with his guardians when he grew too exhausted to continue, so the firefighters set up a highline rope to rescue the 100-plus-pound dog, pulling him to safety in a basket and escorting him back to his family’s car in a golf cart. Buddy has now made a full recovery.

“These firefighters sprang into action to save this dog, just as they would any other hiker who had become overheated and exhausted on a 90-plus-degree day,” says PETA Vice President Colleen O’Brien. “PETA hopes their kindness will inspire people everywhere to do whatever it takes to help animals in need.”

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—reminds everyone to prepare for hikes with their dogs by taking water and snacks, keep dogs near them on walks using a leash and a comfortable and secure harness, and leave them at home on excessively hot days.

The fire department will receive a framed certificate, an award letter, a box of delicious vegan cookies, and a copy of The Engine 2 Diet—a Texas firefighter’s 28-day plan for staying in prime firefighting shape by eating vegan meals.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.