Firehouse Just May Have A New Dog In Rancho Santa Fe

RANCHO SANTA FE, CA – An off-duty firefighter proved being a hero is an around-the-clock job after rescuing a lost dog in San Diego's East County.

Rancho Santa Fe Fire Engineer Brian Ciuchta, who lives in Lakeside, found the dog during his Monday evening run in Sycamore Canyon Preserve, according to Helen Woodward Animal Center. He's now searching for the dog's owner.

"She was miles away from any home and she wasn't wearing a tag," Ciuchta said. "I knew if I didn't take her with me, she was definitely going to be food for a coyote."

Ciuchta placed a "found" ad on Craigslist and brought the dog to the Rancho Santa Fe Fire Station 3 in Fairbanks Ranch, which is located across the street from Helen Woodward Animal Center. Staff at the animal center checked and found that the lost dog had never been microchipped, leaving her former family a mystery.

Ciuchta said he hopes the dog finds her family.

"She's such a sweet pup," he said. "I'm sure someone must be missing her."

Anyone who recognizes the dog is asked to call the Rancho Santa Fe Fire Station 3 at 858-756-4730.

Photos via Helen Woodward Animal Center