Crime & Safety
2 Dogs and a Heater Become a Deadly Combination
Two dogs were injured and suffered smoke inhalation due to tipped heater, according to Tampa Bay Veterinary Emergency Services. A turtle wasn't so lucky.
A Saint Bernard, a Newfoundland and an exotic turtle were rescued from a Wesley Chapel home on Applewood Drive early Wednesday morning after the garage caught on fire.
"The dogs tipped over the heater used to warm the turtle, and the garage caught on fire," explained Sherry Cardona, vet technician at Carrollwood's Tampa Bay Veterinary Emergency Services (TBVES), 238 E. Bearss Avenue, who received the animals.
Carol Childs of the explained that rescuers worked tirelessly to save the two dogs, but the turtle had to be euthanized due to the severity of its burn injuries. The dogs were given oxygen by fire rescue, and the owner brought them to TBVES for further treatment.
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“The employees at TBVES are stellar human beings,” said Childs. “They treated the dogs, surrendered by their owner, without cost, and they do that for all un-owned, injured animals.”
Childs was hesitant to release that information because she knows firsthand that for every legitimate need, the number of people who try to take advantage multiplies.
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Cardona explained that any “free” service provided actually came directly out of the pocket of veterinarian Dr. Katy Meyer, owner of TBVES.
Though the two dogs are now off of oxygen, their need for treatment continues.
“They are covered in soot. We haven’t been able to bathe them due to their injuries,” said Cardona. “They will be up for adoption. We just don’t know when. It was touch and go for a while.”
“The message is so important,” stressed Childs. “You cannot leave a heater on overnight — or an electric blanket. National Humane Society is changing protocol now. We used to run heaters, heating pads and electric blankets. Not any more — we are biting the bullet to pay extra to safely heat the whole building.”
Cardona gave recommendations if a pet must stay outside during the winter months.
“Definitely buy a dog house and put in lots of blankets,” she said. “You can buy hay at a local feed store and put the blankets on top for a source of warmth. Or better, let them stay inside.”
“People mean well,” said Childs. “It’s just scary to think that this can happen to anyone.”
Like the National Humane Society, TBVES offers adoptable pets and seeks foster homes for their animals.
“We can use any help someone is willing to give — any source of food, toys, towels, and blankets," Cardona said. "Cash is always welcome.”
If you are interested in donating to Tampa Bay Veterinary Emergency Services, call 813-205-3327.