Rescued Chihuahuas Receiving Veterinary Care, Showing Signs of Improvement

The two Chihuauas rescued from a Bowie blaze Wednesday are now receiving veterinary care and are showing signs of improvement, according to Prince George's County Fire Department Spokesperson Mark Brady.

Both animals were found by firefighters in the charred remains of a home on Sandal Lane. One of the dogs was described as 'near death.' The firefighters provided lifesaving oxygen to both animals and returned them to their owner. Police have charged a former tenant of the property with arson in connection with the fire. 

By Thursday evening, the health of both dogs was failing. Mylo, a 3-year-old Chihuahua, was constantly scratching at her eyes. Otis, a 2-year-old Chihuahua, was faring much worse. He was having difficulty breathing, would not eat or drink and could not stand, according to Brady.

The dogs' owner brought them to the Bowie Fire Station on Annapolis Road where they received more oxygen Thursday. Because the owners were not financially able to provide veterinary care for the animals, the firefighters contacted investigators to see what could be done to help Mylo and Otis, Brady said.

After putting out a call for cal for help, several area vets, a county council member, and community members offers financial and other support for the animals, Brady said, and both animals were receiving veterinary care by Friday evening.

Otis was surrendered to the Annapolis SPCA, where staff veterinarians are treating him for smoke inhalation and burns to his throat and eyes. He is under constant care and the SPCA reported that Otis wanted to eat Saturday morning, though he is still not walking. Vets will continue to evaluate the dog. The SPCA has also agreed to try to return Otis to his family when he is fully recovered, according to Brady.

The Family Veterinary Clinic on Defense Highway in Gambrills accepted Mylo and agreed to treat him with no promise of payment, Brady said. He is being treated for burns to his eyes and throat. Dr. Christine Yates, a veterinarian at the clinic, told fire investigators that Mylo "responded well" to treatment and should recover fully with follow up care.

Firefighters are helping to establish a fund to pay for the treatment of Mylo and Otis, Brady said. More details about the fund will be available Monday.