In an unusual rescue operation this weekend, Grand Junction Fire Department successfully freed a hound dog named Cooper who had become trapped in an HVAC ventilation duct after following his curious nose into a small floor opening.
The crew of Truck 6 responded promptly when Cooper's worried family called for help after discovering their adventurous pet had squeezed his way into the aluminum ductwork and couldn't find his way out.
The skilled firefighters worked carefully to extract Cooper from his predicament, managing to free him without causing any injury. Once rescued, the relieved pup showed no signs of distress, happily wagging his tail as if nothing out of the ordinary had occurred.
"To Cooper and his family -- thank you for trusting us!" the Grand Junction Fire Department stated after the successful rescue. They reminded residents that their services extend beyond fighting fires to include helping pets in peculiar situations and keeping the community safe.
While Cooper's natural hound instincts led him into this tight spot, his family hopes he'll think twice before exploring such confined spaces during future adventures.
The incident serves as a reminder that fire departments regularly handle a wide variety of emergency calls beyond traditional firefighting duties, including the occasional rescue of four-legged friends who find themselves in unexpected predicaments.