Marco woman donates dummy dog to firefighters for CPR training

MARCO ISLAND, Fla. The Heimlich Maneuver saved Carol Roberts when she nearly choked to death.

It may also save dogs on Marco Island thanks to her generosity.

Roberts and her husband Steve donated a $400 dummy dog to the Marco Island Fire Department so crews can practice techniques that could help real canines in distress.

“I’ve often thought what if my dog chokes we don’t know how to do it on them,” she said.

Firefighters Chris Bowden and Heath Nagel named the dog Shogi in honor of the Roberts’ late Tibetan terrier. They’re using him to train others on staff and members of the public who sign up at pets@cityofmarcoisland.com.

The fire department is also offering residents an emergency pet care card. It allows pet owners to log all of their animal’s information, including who can take care of them in the event of an emergency.