We want to commend and express deep appreciation for the New Martinsville Volunteer Fire Department. Two weeks ago our dog Heidi, who is blind, became disoriented outside after dark and fell down a steep 20-foot embankment behind our house into the woods.

For a while we could see her with our small flashlight, but she soon disappeared from view.

We called the fire department and requested assistance with high powered light and help guiding Heidi back up the hill. There was no hesitation that they would come and they soon arrived with the animal control officer, also.

They quickly assessed the situation and got details about Heidi and very quickly were headed down the steep hill into the darkness. We didn’t hear voices, noise, or barking, but we could follow them by their lights. It wasn’t long until they radioed to the top of the hill that Heidi had been found on the fourth tier down and that she was okay; very hot and tired, but okay.

After requesting the carrier, the firefighters began their hot, difficult assent. It was amazing to watch them put a plan into action with great skill.

Heidi was soon cooling down in our garage with only a couple of scratches on her belly. Since our pets are family, too, it was good to know our firefighters value them, also.

Thank you NMVFD for a job well done. You are Heidi’s new heroes and you convinced us that we are all in very good hands because of your dedication to serving our community.

Mary Beth and Patricia Whalen

New Martinsville