In Arlington, a routine Sunday turned into an unforgettable day for both a pet owner and the local fire department when Chester, a popular toucan, found himself in an unusual predicament. Firefighters were dispatched to a home after receiving a call about a bird trapped behind a dishwasher, a scenario that was anything but typical for emergency crews. The dramatic incident ended with a safe rescue, leaving Chester’s owner relieved and grateful for the quick response.
The chain of events began when Chester accidentally fell into the toilet while his owner, Maria Stagliano, was busy cleaning. Although the toilet was clean, Stagliano wanted to ensure Chester received a proper wash. However, Chester, like many pets, is not particularly fond of baths and resisted. In his effort to avoid the bath, he darted toward the kitchen and managed to squeeze into a small hole between the dishwasher and a false baseboard. The mischievous escape quickly escalated into a serious situation as Chester became stuck.
Stagliano initially tried to resolve the issue herself. She attempted to dismantle the dishwasher’s front panel but quickly realized that the tangle of pipes and tubes posed risks, both to her pet and to the apartment’s plumbing. Concerned about making matters worse, she contacted her building’s emergency maintenance line. To her surprise, she was told that Chester’s situation did not qualify as an emergency, despite her insistence that her bird’s safety was at risk.
The denial left Stagliano feeling helpless and worried. Chester was soaked, visibly scared, and motionless, which heightened her fears that he might be exposed to harmful substances behind the appliance. The possibility of him encountering toxins such as pest control chemicals only increased the urgency. Without assistance from her building’s management, she decided her only option was to seek help from the Arlington Fire Department.
Firefighters responded to her call and quickly arrived at the scene. Understanding the seriousness of the situation, the crew carefully worked to reach Chester without damaging the plumbing or causing harm. Their efforts paid off when Chester was safely removed from his hiding spot behind the dishwasher. For Stagliano, the relief of seeing her feathered companion safe and unharmed was immeasurable.
Chester, who is well known for his playful personality and online presence, was soon back to his usual activities, including entertaining fans and enjoying life as a beloved pet. The ordeal, while stressful, ended happily, and it also showcased the dedication of the fire department to respond to even the most unusual calls for help.
Stagliano expressed deep gratitude to the firefighters, emphasizing how much their compassion and professionalism meant to her during a stressful moment. She admitted that as an overprotective pet owner, she had been overwhelmed with worry, but the kindness and willingness of the fire department to help made all the difference. She noted that while the situation was far from the stereotypical “cat stuck in a tree” emergency, it was one she and the fire crews would likely never forget.
The story serves as a reminder of the unpredictable challenges pet owners sometimes face and the crucial role emergency services play in communities. While Chester’s bath-avoidance antics nearly led to disaster, his safe rescue turned the incident into a memorable tale with a happy ending. For the Arlington Fire Department, it was another example of their commitment to serving the public, no matter how unusual the call may be.
