The firemen on "Chicago Fire" are getting a new best friend, and he's got four legs and a tail. Yes, the NBC drama is bringing a puppy named Pouch to Firehouse 51 as part of the regular cast.
Pouch will be introduced on Wednesday's episode when Peter (played by Charlie Barnett) finds the puppy and wants to keep him at the firehouse. Meanies Chief Boden (Eamonn Walker) and Mouch (Christian Stolte) object ... until, of course, everyone falls in love.
Sure, dogs in firehouses are a classic tale, but why add Pouch now? Executive producer and co-creator Derek Haas explained in a statement that while doing a ride-along with the Chicago Fire Dept. last summer, a dog was offered to the firemen.
"All firehouses have a million stories to tell about a firehouse dog, and we thought he would make a great addition," he also said in the statement. "Pouch will literally grow up before our eyes. Plus, pets are great stress relievers, and firefighters and rescue squads are under tremendous pressure every day, so they will appreciate her presence as a working dog." (Yes, "her." Pouch is a female in real life!)
Meet Pouch when "Chicago Fire" airs at 10 p.m. on NBC Wednesday.
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