Fire Department First In Michigan To Foster Puppy

DEARBORN HEIGHTS, MI — A group of Michigan firefighters are bringing on their newest recruit and it’s a 6-month old Blue Heeler named Bluebell, who is in need of some special care. As the first fire department in the state to do so, according to the Michigan Humane Society, the firefighters at the North Station in Dearborn Heights will welcome a foster dog into their home away from home to take care of her as she prepares for surgery to correct a malformed leg.

Chief David Brogan said the dog will become part of a longstanding tradition of fire houses having a pup around and that their station is full of dog lovers.

“We thought this would be a great way to both help the dog out and have a therapeutic effect of a dog. A lot of times you feel better having a dog around, it’s comforting,” Brogan said. “I’m really excited to try it out.”

Last year, some 2,100 animals benefited from the Michigan Humane Society’s In-Home Heroes program. But, none found refuge at a fire station, until now. This novel approach will give Bluebell all the comforts of home before and after her required surgery, according to Shaun Bailey, publicist for the Michigan Humane Society. She has a long road ahead of her, but it’s looking a lot better now that the firefighters have stepped in.

“The growth of her right front leg is student, i.e. shorter, compared to her left front leg,” Bailey said. “Our veterinarians feel that corrective surgery will give her a better quality of life and that is something the Michigan Humane Society is uniquely suited to do thanks to its supporters.”

The firefighters will all meet Bluebell on Friday and introduce her to her new life as a firehouse dog now, at least for the next month or so. She’ll have a regimented schedule with the seven guys on duty at a time at the city’s busiest fire station, hanging out in their living area when they aren’t on runs and getting her fair share of affection and treats.

“The guys are really excited about it,” Brogan said. “We do a lot of caring for people on a short term basis. This is a natural fit for us.”

Brogan met with Bluebell and fell right in love. He said her wobble from her malformed leg just adds to her “character.”

“She’s very social and happy, she’ll like visiting everybody,” Brogan said. “She’s got a really sweet demeanor and wants to please you. Her tail goes 100 miles per hour, but she’s very gentle. There’s a lot of encouraging signs I see in her.”

By fostering Bluebell, it also frees up space for animals ready for adoption at the MHS now. In the meantime, MHS will provide everything the firefighters may need, like dog food, a kennel, toys, medication and more.
It’s just up to the local heroes to make her feel safe and loved. And not get too attached.

“She’ll get a lot of playtime here with the guys and then we’ll help her rest up and heal when she gets back from surgery,” Brogan said.

“I’m just a little worried about their ability to part with her,” he added, with a laugh.

For more information about fostering an animal with the MHS, click here.

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Photo courtesy Michigan Humane Society