Labrador Puppy’s Playtime Takes a Turn, and Firefighters Save the Day

An adorable Long Island puppy gets stuck in a funny predicament, but that doesn’t stop him from lolling his tongue and being a good boy. The 4-month-old pup, named Leo, had gotten his head stuck between two concrete balusters in a game of fetch with his owner. The Setauket Fire Department was happy to lend a hand.

Adorable Puppy Gets Stuck Playing Fetch

RELATED: They Adopted a New Pup, Then Discovered a Family Connection to Their Dog That Died

"We were expecting to find a dog stuck in something that could be easily bent or taken apart. Unfortunately, the pup’s head was stuck between heavy concrete balusters," said Fire Chief Charles Regulinski. 

"Out of the approximately 3,600 emergency calls we receive every year, only a handful are for animal rescues,” he said. "We have had kittens and ducks stuck in storm drains, deer stuck in fences, and even cats reluctant to come out of trees — as cliché as it sounds." 

Leo Warmed Up to Everyone Who Came to Help

When they first saw Leo, he was a little nervous but calmly allowed the crew to help him out. 

Leo "quickly warmed up to everyone that was there to help," the Fire Chief said. He "was one of the best patients we have had — never barking, growling or being exceptionally uncooperative."

Chief Charles said, "It took approximately 10 minutes to safely remove Leo’s head." 

The crew first tried using Dawn dish soap to move the pup’s head, "but it was still too tight."

They decided the best step would be to use the “jaws of life,” a rescue spreading tool. 

"While one firefighter protected Leo’s head, another firefighter was able to slowly spread the two balusters until Leo’s head was free,” the Fire Chief said. 

Pup Shows His Appreciation

After Leo got his head free, he showed his thanks in true puppy fashion by licking and snuggling all of the crew. 

Leo “was rewarded with plenty of treats and pets,” the Fire Department said. 

The dog's owner "was a little nervous when we arrived, as anyone would be if a member of their family was in such a predicament, [but] he was quickly calmed by our presence and immediate plan to help Leo," the chief added. 

The Fire Crew Showed Up

The fire crew is proud that they were able to free the pup safely. 

"Every one of our members always shows up to support community members in need," Chief Charles says. "One of the reasons the Setauket Fire Department is a special place is because there is a strong sense of community and the fact that we all are looking out for each other."

"Like most volunteer fire departments across the nation, we are in need of new members that want to help their fellow neighbors in times of need," he said. "If that sounds like something you would be interested in, please reach out to your local fire department."

Puppies will be puppies, but it’s wonderful that the little guy was able to get the help he needed.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Dog Loves His Daycare So Much, He Escaped to Go There On His Own

WATCH: The Jason Lovins Band | 'Hide My Soul' (acoustic)

LISTEN: 75-Year-Old Retired Nurse Spent 14 Hours Crawling Home After Breaking Leg | Young Boy Survives Coyote Attack at Softball Game

h/t: People

Featured Image Credit: Facebook/Setauket Fire Department

Michaela Gordoni is an avid reader and part-time globe-trotter. With a bachelor's degree in International Relations and experience in the non-profit world, she has a passion for people and reporting. You can check out her portfolio here.