Ignoring concerns about upcoming cast changes in Chicago Fire, the series snubbed its chance to cast a much-needed replacement for a

firehouse favorite who tragically passed years ago. It’s no great secret that the Chicago Fire cast is in a period of upheaval. Ritter and Carver are meant to depart in Chicago Fire season 14, hopefully with their lives intact.

 

 

It’s worth noting that Tuesday wasn’t the first firehouse dog in Chicago Fire. That honor belongs to Pouch, who appeared for a few episodes in season 4 before finding his forever home. But a Dalmatian is naturally a more classic fit for a firehouse, and Chicago Fire gave Tuesday her own side stories to keep her from feeling like a mere prop.

 

 

She was lovably chaotic, tearing through the station whenever Ritter tried to leash her. Stella, Tuesday’s biggest fan, tried to train her for a talent competition, and the result was that Tuesday was publicly accused of mauling a little girl for adorably licking peanut butter off of her face. Her real-world death after season 10 left a void.

 

 

After his owner’s leg was eviscerated in a freak accident, Fridge found a temporary home at the 51 thanks to Carver taking him in and Kidd getting Pascal’s permission. Carver leaned into Fridge’s companionship until he was ready to tell his friends that Tori left him, and he likely would have kept Fridge for good had the owner not survived.

 

 

Not only did everyone from Truck to Ambo embrace Fridge immediately, but it seems that Fridge had a prior relationship with Chicago Fire itself. During the “stop, drop, and roll” talent contest, a dog with seemingly identical markings stands just behind Tuesday, as pictured in this article’s first gallery. Clearly, some clairvoyant knew the 51 would need a backup dog.

If Pouch made the concept of a firehouse dog enjoyable, Tuesday made it borderline essential. Stella’s ten times brighter when Tuesday’s in the room, and Herrmann goes from being her biggest detractor to one of her most eager supporters. And, with Ritter’s Chicago Fire exit impending, replacing Tuesday is a way of preserving the spirit Darren brought to the 51.

And, just as Fridge appeared at one of Carver’s low points, a new firehouse dog could be a source of relief and comfort in a stationhouse that’s consistently besieged by tragedy. With Monica’s death still fresh, and with Carver and Violet’s Chicago Fire romance seemingly nearing its end, the crew could benefit from a wagging tail and a friendly face.

Network dramas can be emotionally compelling, but they require bright spots amid the darkness. Chicago Fire can milk a lot of this out of Herrmann arguing about Certs and Uber ratings, or Novak teasing Damon about his unwillingness to commit. But nothing sells happiness like a dog. With Pouch, Fridge, and Tuesday gone, it’s time for a more permanent replacement.