Six puppies up for adoption after surviving suspected drug overdose in US

Six puppies in rural Washington state will soon be up for adoption after being revived after a suspected drug overdose — and some of them might go home with the fire station staff who saved them.

Two people dropped off three of the sick puppies at Sky Valley Fire, about an hour’s drive north east of Seattle, on Sunday. Officials believe the animals either breathed or ate fentanyl.

Firefighters sprayed the anti-overdose medication naloxone up their noses, and also treated them with oxygen and even performed CPR. It was not long before their tails started wagging, battalion chief Brandon Vargas said on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, sheriff’s deputies tracked down the people believed to have dropped off the dogs and found three more puppies that also needed treatment.

An animal cruelty or neglect investigation is under way. The pair claimed they were caring for the puppies temporarily, authorities said.

There have been a number of other cases nationally where pets have been saved after being exposed to fentanyl or other opioids.

The puppies have a clean bill of health but are being quarantined for about one more week before being released for adoption, said David Byrd, manager of Snohomish County Animal Services.

The Everett animal shelter that has been monitoring their health has been overwhelmed with adoption offers, and asked people not to call the shelter with questions about the puppies.

“We definitely have some personnel that are interested in wanting to adopt those,” Mr Vargas said.