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North Smithfield, RI Firefighters Resuscitate Dog Pulled From Burning House

NORTH SMITHFIELD, RI (CBS) - A Rhode Island dog named Chloe is recovering after being rescued and resuscitated by firefighters.

Chloe was alone inside a North Smithfield home Wednesday when lightning apparently set the house on fire.

Fire Chief Joel Jillson says by the time crews arrived, the roof had collapsed and smoke and flames could be seen through the windows.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Drew Moholland talks to one of the firefighters who saved Chloe

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Jillson says they were told Chloe was inside, and he sent three firefighters in to search of her.

"To most people, their pets just are like their children," firefighter Norm Maldoeuf told WBZ NewsRadio 1030. "We donned our gear and we did what we're supposed to do."

In heavy smoke, they managed to find her unconscious under a bed.

"When I kneeled into the room to sweep above the bed, I actually kneeled onto the dog's leg," Firefighter Maldoeuf said. "The dog had tucked itself under the bed to try and get out of the smoke."

The department had just received training on how to resuscitate animals, and immediately put it to use.

After a few minutes, Maldoeuf said they managed to revive Chloe.

"The dog's eyes opened, and this sounds a little odd, but we took the dog and put the dog on the stretcher," he said.

She was treated and released from a veterinary hospital.

Maldoeuf, a 24-year veteran of the department, said the ordeal was a first for him.

"I've never had to do that sort of thing before. It was a first notch in my belt for that. It was very nice," he said.

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