Daniel The Beagle, Rescued From Alabama Gas Chamber, Finds New Life In New Jersey

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - It's a given that cats have nine lives. Beagles, apparently, only live twice.

On Oct. 3, Daniel was put into a gas chamber in Florence, Alabama along with 17 other stray dogs. Carbon monoxide was pumped into the chamber. When officials returned later and opened the door, Daniel walked out.

"He walked out wagging his tail," Linda Schiller, president of Eleventh Hour Rescue told CBS 2's Elise Finch. "He was sick but he was alive."

Daniel, dubbed a "miracle dog," weighs about 20 pounds.

Following his brush with death, Daniel -- aptly named after the biblical character who escaped the lion's den unharmed -- is set for a new life in New Jersey, courtesy of Eleventh Hour Rescue. The group is dedicated to saving pooches from death row in high-kill shelters.

"While we are thrilled that we are able to help him and give him a second chance at life," wrote Schiller, "we are terribly saddened to think about the other dogs that did not make it out of the chamber alive that day."

"He's a sweetheart of a dog," said Jill Pavlik, who is temporarily Daniel's foster mother. "He's very sweet, he's very personable and friendly. He gets along well with my dog and he walked in here like he's always been here."

"He plays like crazy, he's the happiest little dog," said Pavlik.

While Daniel's story is amazing, it's not the first time a dog has actually survived the gas chamber.

Dr. Elizabeth Boggier, Mountainview Veterinary Hospital, says, "Gasses have different weights and perhaps this pet found an air pocket that was able to keep him comfortable and alive until they were able to open up the door."

For updates on Daniel and adoption information, visit the Eleventh Hour Rescue website.