This is Andrew Klein, first responder for the Santa Monica Fire Department in California. But for a little dog named Marley, he will forever be known as a hero.
Earlier this week, a fire broke out in the apartment building where Marley lived with her mother, trapping the small dog inside. Billy Fernando, a portrait photographer, happened to be driving past when he noticed firefighters rushing into a burning building, so he decided to pull over to watch them work. That’s when he witnessed a life being saved.
“As I was standing outside, I saw the fireman, Mr. Klein, running towards the grass by the roadside, carrying something,” Fernando said. “At first I didn’t know what it was, but then I realized it was a pet trapped in the fire. The dog was unconscious, limping and not moving at all.”
After initially trying to revive the dog with an oxygen mask, it became clear that more drastic measures were needed. “Just a minute later, he started CPR on the pet without hesitation,” Fernando said, adding: “It was an inspiring moment.”
The dog’s owner watched as the firefighter continued to fight for Marley’s life. “She watched it in horror,” Fernando said. “She was afraid the dog wouldn’t make it.” Klein, though clearly exhausted, refused to give up.
Amazingly, after about 20 minutes of effort, the once lifeless dog began to stir. Marley’s owner wasn’t the only one who breathed a sigh of relief.
Fernando said. “I witnessed the dog come to life.” Marley gradually regained her strength, and in addition to appearing disoriented, appeared to be out of danger. The owner was in tears. Everyone was very pleased with the ending. We are very proud of the efforts of Andrew Klein from the Santa Monica Fire Department.
While it may all be a day’s work for Klein and other first responders who save lives for a living, his dedication to the little dog will never be wasted. In fact, Marley recently personally thanked her hero.