Santa Monica firefighters miraculously resuscitated a small dog found trapped inside a burning apartment.
Nalu, a 10-year-old Bichon Frise/Shih Tzu, was discovered unconscious after being exposed to breathing in smoke for at least 20 minutes, succumbing to the heat and fumes.
Remarkably the heroic Californian firefighters succeeding in bringing the pooch back to life, with a specialised CPR machine designed for dogs, despite not breathing and having no pulse.
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Terrified owner, 35-year-old Crystal Lamirande watched in horror as the rescuers refused to give up on Nalu, who thankfully began to breathe on his own after 20 minutes of first aid.
Crystal had tried to save her dog, but was forced back from the inferno due to thick smoke.
Neighbours subsequently took the dog to a local animal hospital, and Nalu is said to be making a good recovery after spending 24hours in an oxygen chamber.
The fire, which occurred at around 4pm in a one-story apartment near Santa Monica High School, spread from the kitchen to a storage room, and took 23 firefighters to bring it under control.
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No one was injured in the blaze.
Photographer Billy Fernando captured the unfolding drama, he said: "This brave fireman named Andrew Klein from Santa Monica Fire Department went in for the rescue and gave the pet a CPR and took care of her back to life.
"Faith in humanity restored." Couldn't agree more, Billy.
I do love a happy ending.
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Words Brad Marshall
Featured Image Credit: Instagram/billy_fernando