CSBJ Daily

Colorado Springs firefighters say the lives of three dogs trapped in house fires were saved last week because of special oxygen masks designed for animals.

The dogs were treated on-scene during two house fires. Three rabbits were also rescued from one of the fires but did not require oxygen treatment, fire officials said.

The masks were donated to the fire department from the Colorado Springs Kennel Club.

Fire Captain Kathleen MacLaren said the dogs’ owners were overwhelmed with gratitude.

“Outside of ensuring their family members are safe, they want their pets retrieved,” she said.

Colorado Springs firefighters are trained to rescue pets when conditions permit and will provide on-scene basic medical treatment when needed, MacLaren said.