Firefighters in West Palm Beach, Florida, were alerted to a brush fire beside a homeless camp in March 2017.

Captain Gregg Gordon and his crew arrived on time. A severely burned guard dog was chained to a tree when they arrived, which was a distressing sight. The poor puppy was in a lot of pain.

Firefighter Marcos Orozca cut the dog’s chain and took him to Jupiter Pet Emergency and Specialty Center (JPESC). The pup was given the name Smokey by the firefighters.

According to Gordon, who spoke to The Palm Beach Post, “the little guy was fairly completely burned up.” “I was worried for his survival,” he said when we finally got hold of him.

Dr. Latimer, the vet, rushed the puppy into care. The dog’s back body and hind legs had the most severe burns, he discovered. The dog would be fine, despite the fact that he would need intensive care and treatment, Dr. Latimer assured the firefighters.

Smokey needed numerous blood transfusions (THANK YOU, “Shadow”), routine baths, and bandage/wrap changes throughout his stay with us at JPESC. According to JPESC’s Facebook page, he also had hyperbaric chamber treatments to help with swelling and pain from the numerous burns.

Smokey was wary and afraid of everyone when he first arrived at JPESC. The dog eventually warmed up to the vets and nurses, though, as time went on. Captain Gordon decided to nurture the puppy while he recovered from his wounds when the firefighters who had saved him came back to see him.

Smokey was taken home by Captain Gordon where he met his two dogs. The puppy was overjoyed to have new playmates!

Captain Gordon brought Smokey to JPESC for a checkup a week after bringing him home. Smokey sprung to his feet and hugged Dr. Latimer as soon as he entered the room. He wanted to thank Dr. Latimer for saving the dog’s life because it was obvious that he had done so.

Welcome back, Smokey! As you can see, he is very grateful for all of the love, attention, and time he received while he was with us.” JPESC posted a video to YouTube.

During this checkup, Smokey learned even more fantastic news. Dr. Katelyn Thomas, one of the other veterinarians, had developed feelings for him. She made the decision to adopt him and gave him the name Fen.For the past two years, Smokey/Fen has lived with his mother. The dog is content in his new home and continues to act nicely. Fen has grown to love swimming, and he and his mother often go on expeditions.

Dr. Latimer was an old acquaintance of Fen’s that he never forgot. Fen served as the mascot for the Peggy Adams Walk for Animals in 2018. Fen raced over to Dr. Latimer when he was recognized by him and jumped into his arms.

Fen had a difficult beginning to life, but he has since healed from his wounds and is now in a forever home! View the touching reunion between Fen and Dr. Latimer in the video down below.