Firefighters House Small Lost Dog Until Owner is Located

MEDIA CONTACT: Mark E. Brady, Chief Spokesperson, 240-508-7930

mebrady@co.pg.md.us     @PGFDPIO

Most everyone knows that all Prince George's County Fire/EMS Stations are "Safe Places."  Safe Place is a program that quickly connects youth and others in crisis to help, through Fire/EMS stations designated as “Safe Places.” These resources help runaways and others resolve their crises and remain in a stable environment, safe from predators and with appropriate help.

To this point we have only welcomed humans into the program, however, just after midnight Thanksgiving morning, a four-legged hairy little dog walked into one of Safe Place stations.  Firefighters at the St. Joes Fire/EMS Station describe the dog as a Yorkie, well-groomed and nourished.  Obviously someone within the community of Springdale is missing their pet.

The dog has been temporarily named "Gizmo" and is being affectionately tended to by firefighters by drying him off, warming him and providing food and water.  This morning at day break firefighters went door-to-door to homes near the fire station asking if anyone was missing their dog or if they recognized him.  Having no luck in locating the owner they went back to the station and requested the department to post the picture on their social media network in an attempt to find the owner.  If all these efforts fail the dog will be brought to a facility on Friday to see if has an embedded chip.  Until than, firefighters will continue to take care of "Gizmo."

If anyone recognizes "Gizmo" he can be found at the St. Joes Fire/EMS Station #806, 2900 block of St. Josephs Drive in Springdale.  Call first at 301-883-7706.