Pasco County Firefighters Rescue 13 Pups From Beneath Shed

PASCO COUNTY, FL — Pasco County Animal Control Officer Stella Ickes has had her share of challenging pet rescues but last week she came across a situation that required a bit of help.

Ickes was summoned to a Pasco County property where two mother dogs and their 11 puppies had crawled beneath a shed to escape the record heat. The dogs were settled far out of reach and, despite trying to lure them out with food, Ickes wasn't able to tempt the frightened dogs to come out.

Firefighters from the Engine 34 A shift came to the rescue. Using a nets and catch-and-release poles, firefighters Frank Reilly, DeJonge and Kristopher Moats hit the dirt, pulling all 13 dogs from beneath the shed.

According to the Suncoast Animal League, the two mother dogs had been sharing the responsibility for feeding each other's pups.

After plenty of food and water, the moms and pups are recovering. Both moms, named Buela and Bianca, are about a year old and weigh about 30 pounds each. They like other dogs and cuddles. They are currently available for adoption at the Suncoast Animal League. Email Foster@SuncoastAnimalLeague.org.

Suncoast Animal League