A Breath Of Fresh Air

July 9, 2009 -

While reading the blog by from Pound to Posh, The Importance of Being Fireproof it made me remember a fund raiser I participated in back in Florida a few years ago.  It was a poker run that raised money to equip the local fire departmenr with Pet oxygen masks.

Before reading about the fund raiser on a flyer, I had never really thought about what happens to your pet if they are caught in a house fire.  I just assumed the fire department would have the equipment to help my dogs too.

Not necessarily.  Not all fire departmerns are equipped with oxygen masks for pets.  Fire departmenrs most often relay on government funding and donations.  It is becuase of donations that more and more fire departments are becoming equipped, but not all of them are.  Is yours?

Why can't a human mask be used?  In a pinch this would help, however human masks are too large for pets to get the amount of oxygen they really need.  The pet oxygen masks fit snugly (they come in 3 sizes) and allow the amount of oxygen to be regulated.  Pet oxygen masks can be used also to assist small animals, reptiles and even birds!

How can you help?  First, call your local fire department and see if they are equipped.  Then you can either raise money to purchase multiple sets for your local fire department.  Or even if you buy jut one set, that is 3 more masks that weren't there before. 

Pets America is an organization that has supplied over 40 communities with pet oxygen masks.  You can buy a set of 3 masks, instructions and an educational video for just $95.

A fifth grader in Virginia started the website PetMask.com to help raise money to supply fire departmenrs across the country with the masks.  You can find out how to donate, or buy a set for just $55.

Either way, it is money well spent to give pets a much needed breath of fresh air!