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A full hazardous materials response was called to Halifax Veterinary Hospital on Quinpool Road late Wednesday morning after staff reported a strange odour and symptoms of lightheadedness inside the building.
Halifax firefighters quickly evacuated the strip mall while a surgical team inside continued an operation on a young puppy.
Crews decided to shelter the team and the animal in place so the procedure could finish safely.
The source of the odour was traced to a sump pit in the basement. Firefighters ventilated the building thoroughly and confirmed the air was safe before allowing occupants back inside.
The puppy, named Choco, came through the surgery successfully and is recovering.
Halifax Fire thanked the public for giving crews space to work at the busy intersection and praised the veterinary team for their professionalism during the incident.
