TREASURE ISLAND, FL — The newest member of the Treasure Island Fire Rescue Station 24 loves belly rubs and the crew is betting that kids will fall in love with his big, floppy ears.
Captain, an 8-month-old beagle, will have to work for his treats, however. As a therapy dog, he will be responsible for comforting and, perhaps, putting a smile back on the faces of first responders who return to the fire station after a traumatic rescue or tragic accident.
The fire rescue crew adopted Captain after learning that 4,000 beagles had been rescued from a research facility in Cumberland, Virginia. The crew reached out to the rescuers and offered to provide a home for one of the rescued pups.
In addition to his therapy work, Captain will serve as the station’s official mascot and join firefighters during public education events.