Being a firefighter is a tough job. Not only is the work grueling and unpredictable, but it can also be emotionally taxing.

When firefighters with the Pueblo Fire Department in Pueblo, Colorado, were called to a house fire, they were relieved to find the human occupants of the home had made it outside. The family pets weren't so lucky, though.

Photo: Pexels/Pixabay.com

The fire department shared on Facebook, "The occupants stated that a dog and 2 cats were still inside the home."

It must've been heartbreaking to leave the home while knowing their pets were inside still. They made the right but difficult decision.

https://www.facebook.com/PuebloFireDepartment/posts/pfbid02kxaN72QchWRYm7PwP1okWoXBYqbcFggNWVLEAGfH5sd2cGVEZnEwXCEzLxKmTBg2l

The fire crew immediately started a rescue operation. The department wrote, "E-38 started a fast attack as S-81 arrived for a primary search. Coordinated fire attack and search resulted in the dog and 1 cat rescue by 81's crew."

After the rescue, the occupants were happily reunited with their pets. Going through a house fire is hard enough without having to deal with the loss of a pet or loved one. I can only imagine the relief they felt when their dog and two cats were safely removed from the home!

Photo: Pexels/Ray Shrewsberry

"Properly working smoke detectors alerted the residents of danger, and the alarm system placed the call that started the response. The fire was quickly extinguished, and no injuries or damage to exposure was reported. All companies returned to service and Lucy (The Dog) was returned to her owners," the fire department wrote.

One possibly devastating affect of a house fire is pets being separated from their owners due to housing issues. With a lack of pet-friendly rental options, it can be hard for people to bring their pets along after losing a house. This doesn't just apply to house fires but to foreclosed homes too.

Sign this petition to help Save Pets From Abandonment After Foreclosure.