Firefighters rescue dogs from fire at Puppy Love pet store

86 puppies from Puppy Love, 37 Lake Ave, in Danbury, were removed from the store and transfered to an empty storefront next door after a late night fire behind the store. Thursday, January 3, 2018, in Danbury, Conn. less 86 puppies from Puppy Love, 37 Lake Ave, in Danbury, were removed from the store and transfered to an empty storefront next door after a late night fire behind the store. Thursday, January 3, 2018, in Danbury, ... more Photo: H John Voorhees III, Hearst Connecticut Media Buy photo Photo: H John Voorhees III, Hearst Connecticut Media Image 1 of / 29 Caption Close Firefighters rescue dogs from fire at Puppy Love pet store 1 / 29 Back to Gallery

DANBURY — As firefighters battled the flames at a Danbury pet store late Thursday, others broke into the shop to rescue the dogs trapped inside.

The 911 dispatcher in Danbury received multiple calls shortly before 9 p.m. about a fire at Puppy Love at 37 Lake Ave. Ext. that sells puppies. Within less than 2 minutes, fire units were at the 1.5-story commercial building and a second alarm was immediately called in.

“Chief, we gotta get the animals out,” a firefighter said.

Deputy Fire Chief Steve Willliams said when firefighters arrived, heavy fire was coming from the back. Civilians stopped their cars in the middle of the road to break in and save the puppies.

“We formed a human chain” to get all 86 dogs out of Puppy Love, Williams said. All puppies were removed safely

Two volunteer rescuers, Eric Walsh and Jonathan Jimenez, both of Danbury, were eating at a restaurant next door when they heard someone yell about a fire. They ran out and broke into the store by one of the side doors, started grabbing dog cages and taking them out of the store. About 30 volunteers and animal control officers are working to care for the dogs.

The fire was reported out late Thursday. No injuries reported to firefighters, volunteers or puppies.

Puppy Love Sean Silverman owner said the fire began in a pole barn owned by the utility company at the rear of the building. That pole barn was damaged and the store sustained water damage.

Silverman said and his wife, Nancy, have owned the business since 1995.

“We want to thank all of the Danbury Fire Department, City of Danbury Police Department, many veterinarian staff of Noah's Ark Animal Hospital and South Salem Animal Hospital, staff of Stanziato's Wood Fired Pizza and the whole community of Danbury and beyond for reaching out and helping the Puppy Love family,” the business posted on its Facebook page.

“All of our puppies are safe, warm and happily ate an extra dinner tonight!

“Stanziatos was kind enough to open their doors to us so our puppies have temporary housing while our store can be cleaned and be put back to order. The fire started in a different building located behind Puppy Love and luckily the fire department was able to get it under control before it spread to our store.

“Thank you to everyone that donated extra blankets for our puppies to be extra cozy. We love you all, and so do all of the puppies!”