Puppies Revived with Narcan After Suspected Opioid Exposure
Six pit bull puppies in rural Washington state are on the road to recovery and new homes following a dramatic rescue from a suspected fentanyl overdose. The incident, which began on Sunday 12 January 2026, saw the animals revived with the anti-overdose medication naloxone, commonly known as Narcan.
Firefighters' Swift Action Saves Lives
The ordeal unfolded when two individuals brought three critically ill puppies to Sky Valley Fire station, located about an hour's drive north-east of Seattle. Officials believe the puppies had either inhaled or ingested the powerful opioid fentanyl.
Firefighters acted immediately, administering naloxone intranasally, providing oxygen, and performing CPR. Battalion Chief Brandon Vargas confirmed that the treatment was successful, noting it wasn't long before the puppies' tails began wagging again.
Meanwhile, sheriff's deputies tracked down the individuals who had dropped off the dogs. Their investigation led to the discovery of three more puppies in urgent need of the same life-saving treatment.
Investigation and a Flood of Adoption Offers
An investigation into potential animal cruelty or neglect is now underway. Authorities noted the pair claimed they were only temporarily caring for the puppies.
David Byrd, manager of Snohomish County Animal Services, stated the puppies now have a clean bill of health but will remain in quarantine for roughly one more week before being released for adoption. The Everett animal shelter, which is monitoring their recovery, has been inundated with adoption offers, prompting a public request to stop calling with enquiries.
This case adds to a growing national trend of pets being successfully revived after exposure to fentanyl or other opioids.
"We definitely have some personnel that are interested in wanting to adopt those," added Battalion Chief Vargas, hinting at a potential happy ending where the fire station staff who saved them could become their forever families.
