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SALT LAKE CITY — Firefighters who rescued an injured dog from a mountain ledge east of Salt Lake City on Sunday are being recognized for their rescue by animal rights organization People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.
PETA announced Thursday it is giving the Salt Lake City Fire Department a Compassionate Fire Department Award for rescuing Rue, a purebred Vizsla whose paw was hurt and appeared to be stranded in the foothills above the University of Utah. The fire department will receive a box of vegan cookies from PETA, as well as a vegan firefighter lifestyle book and framed certificate.
"Thanks to these determined firefighters, this dog's terrifying ordeal did not become a tragedy," said Colleen O'Brien, PETA senior director, in a prepared statement. "PETA hopes their determination will inspire others to come to the aid of animals in need."
Crew members from Salt Lake Fire Station 10 hiked more than 2 miles to an area known as the Living Room close to the Bonneville Shoreline Trail on Sunday after receiving a call about the dog. Salt Lake County Animal Services also assisted on the call.
Salt Lake firefighter Tony Stowe put Rue across his shoulders and carried the dog down the mountainside. The dog and its owner were reunited Monday.
