Early in September, Iowa firefighter Malcolm Cortner responded to a routine call. There was a fire in a residential building. Fortunately, no one was injured.
However, one living creature fell victim to a fiery trap. The dog was one and a half years old, a mastiff. The dog was taken out of the fire by Malcolm. The dog was nearly unconscious when he pulled it away from the fire. He was immediately rescued by rescuers with oxygen masks – they have special ones for dogs and cats. As soon as the dog breathed, he came to his senses.
Firefighters contacted the local animal control service. Despite the mastiff’s survival, he will require expensive and lengthy treatment. Malcolm Cortner could not watch the creature die, whom he had saved at the risk of his own life, as soon as the owner heard the approximate amount of money needed.
When he held the dog, he could feel how he breathed. In response, he intervened. He promised to pay any bills if he was allowed to take the dog.The city authorities granted permission, and the dog survived! His – now his – dog was well taken care of by Cortner. George, the mastiff, got up two months later.
He looks healthy and happy now, just like his owner, who has made a new friend. George’s double rescue was shared on social media, along with two pictures of the dog. The dog will soon turn two, and we hope the owner will throw him a nice birthday party.
