January 07, 2022

A Firefighter's Best Friend


A Firefighter's Best Friend
They may not be Dalmatians, but these pups seem to get the job done.  Photo from the official website of the Russian Emergency Situations Ministry

When firefighters in the city of Kurgan were called to investigate a mysterious box left behind, they suspected that it might contain a bomb or some kind of harmful substance; instead, they were pleasantly surprised in the best possible way when they found eight adorable little puppies

The woman who reported the box flat out refused to keep the abandoned mutts, so the firefighters did the only thing they could do and took the animals back to the station with them. Six of the dogs immediately found good homes with family members of the fireteam, and the two that remained became the firehouse mascots. 

They decided to name the two fire-pups after the situation in which they were found: the male dog's name is Sapper (meaning mine-detector in Russian) and the female dog's name is Mina (meaning mine in Russian). The firefighters insist that their canine companions help them to do their jobs better and raise their spirits, giving them a reason to come back home after every dangerous mission.  

You Might Also Like

Top Dogs
  • January 10, 2022

Top Dogs

The Russian Cynological Society announced Russians' favorite dog breeds for 2021.
Doggone in Love
  • November 24, 2021

Doggone in Love

In which a runaway pair of labradors prove that puppy love is real. 
The Goodest Boy in All of Russia
  • February 22, 2021

The Goodest Boy in All of Russia

There are a lot of really wonderful dogs in Russia, but this life-saving cutie has been named the best of all. 
Like this post? Get a weekly email digest + member-only deals

Some of our Books

Murder at the Dacha
July 01, 2013

Murder at the Dacha

Senior Lieutenant Pavel Matyushkin has a problem. Several, actually. Not the least of them is the fact that a powerful Soviet boss has been murdered, and Matyushkin's surly commander has given him an unreasonably short time frame to close the case.

Russian Rules
November 16, 2011

Russian Rules

From the shores of the White Sea to Moscow and the Northern Caucasus, Russian Rules is a high-speed thriller based on actual events, terrifying possibilities, and some really stupid decisions.

White Magic
June 01, 2021

White Magic

The thirteen tales in this volume – all written by Russian émigrés, writers who fled their native country in the early twentieth century – contain a fair dose of magic and mysticism, of terror and the supernatural. There are Petersburg revenants, grief-stricken avengers, Lithuanian vampires, flying skeletons, murders and duels, and even a ghostly Edgar Allen Poe.

Fearful Majesty
July 01, 2014

Fearful Majesty

This acclaimed biography of one of Russia’s most important and tyrannical rulers is not only a rich, readable biography, it is also surprisingly timely, revealing how many of the issues Russia faces today have their roots in Ivan’s reign.

The Little Humpbacked Horse
November 03, 2014

The Little Humpbacked Horse

A beloved Russian classic about a resourceful Russian peasant, Vanya, and his miracle-working horse, who together undergo various trials, exploits and adventures at the whim of a laughable tsar, told in rich, narrative poetry.

Woe From Wit (bilingual)
June 20, 2017

Woe From Wit (bilingual)

One of the most famous works of Russian literature, the four-act comedy in verse Woe from Wit skewers staid, nineteenth century Russian society, and it positively teems with “winged phrases” that are essential colloquialisms for students of Russian and Russian culture.

About Us

Russian Life is a publication of a 30-year-young, award-winning publishing house that creates a bimonthly magazine, books, maps, and other products for Russophiles the world over.

Latest Posts

Our Contacts

Russian Life
73 Main Street, Suite 402
Montpelier VT 05602

802-223-4955