SAN RAMON — If cats do have nine lives, then Balls, a long-haired black feline, owes at least one of those to the city’s fire and police departments.
Three days after being pulled from a house fire, resuscitated by firefighters and rushed to a veterinary clinic in a police car, Balls was released from the Bishop Ranch Veterinary Center on Thursday.
“They weren’t just doing their job,” said Leslie Nadig, Balls’ owner.
“They were unbelievably sympathetic and caring. It wasn’t like ‘Oh, it’s just an animal.’ They really showed love and care.”
But San Ramon fire Chief Craig Bowen said he and his staff were just doing their job.
Firefighters responded to a fire at Nadig’s San Ramon home Monday that started in an overheated dryer and engulfed the garage.
The crew not only worked to extinguish the blaze and ventilate the roof, but they also removed some of the Nadig’s personal belongings, including a China cabinet complete with dishes.
They weren’t finished, though, and went back in the home to search for Nadig’s two cats.
Battling thick, black smoke, firefighters found Balls first and then Pumpkin.
Once retrieved, the cats were hooked up to oxygen by Bowen and retired firefighter Jim Ellis, who was in area, along with paramedics.
“We do everything we can to save lives and families,” said Bowen.
West Coast 911 firefighter news source – Inside Bay Area
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