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Duchess, The Luckiest Dog in Grand Chenier, LA

When the Phoenix Fire Department’s AZTF-1 FEMA team was deployed to Texas September 21, 2005 to stand by for Hurricane Rita, members were prepared for the worst.Fortunately the storm lost speed as it hit the Gulf Coast and didn’t cause nearly the damage that Hurricane Katrina had the month previous. Team members were eventually deployed to Louisiana to check areas that had been ravaged by high winds and rain. It was during the final days of the mission that one AZTF-1 member found a frightened, muddy female dog cowering in the remains of its owner’s home. It’s a story worth telling.

It was just a tiny noise that caught the attention of AZTF-1 member and Phoenix Police Officer Frank Pace. He was searching the rubble of a partially collapsed home in Grand Chenier, LA. But Pace’s attention to the small things paid off for this lucky pooch. Pace reassured the pet and gingerly removed the shivering animal from the wet slog.

The officer carried the lucky animal to a waiting medical team consisting of AZTF-1 members Dr. Richard French, Paramedic Firefighter Maureen Shannon and New York Firefighter Randy Griffen, on special assignment for the Department of Homeland Security. These caring medical professionals quickly worked to restore hydration to the weak, tired pooch with intravenous fluids. After perking up a bit, the animal was fed kibbles from the search dog’s stash of food. With her strength returning, the happy canine was taken by airboat to AARF-Angels for Animals Rescue Foundation in Lafayette, LA. There she was fostered until her owner could be located.

Through the patience and kindness of AARF employee Kathy Comeaux, “Duchess” is now back home with her owner. Comeaux placed an add on an internet blog that was almost immediately seen and answered by the niece of Duchess’s owner. Through the loving help and assistance of a lot of people, one lucky dog knows how much she’s loved. It gives one “paws” to consider the kindness that still exists among humans.

Here are the photographs of Duchess's journey:

The weak, dehydrated animal was found cowering in the wreckage of his owner's home.	Phoenix Police Officer Frank Pace carries the lucky canine to safety.
Dr. Robert French, Peoria Paramedic Firefighter Maureen Shannon and New York Firefighter on Special assignment for Department of Homeland Security Randy Griffin attend to the pooch.	Intravenous fluids are started on the tired dog, serving vital life saving fluids to his weak, dehydrated system.
Kibbles were provided later for a tastier snack while the dog convalesced.	Fortunately a local authority recognized the dog and volunteered to take him to his owner, who must have been very relieved to have her brave puppy back.
All in a day's work for AZTF-1.	The lucky pooch was bundled up and transported via airboat back to its Master and Mistress. Return to Phoenix Fire gallery page