If you think pet oxygen masks are some unnecessary frill, tell that to the family of this cat who was saved during a fire in Smyrna.
Pets are members of the family. It's that simple. And some concerned animal lovers are doing everything they can to supply Delaware's first responders with equipment to help save pets.
Cheryl Costello of the Wilmington Kennel Club, who has been so instrumental in equipping New Castle County fire companies, sent me a note about this recent save:
"Just wanted you to know that there was another save/assist where an animal mask was used here in Delaware - really is wonderful."
"Just wanted you to know that there was another save/assist where an animal mask was used here in Delaware - really is wonderful."
Wonderful doesn't begin to describe it.
Cheryl also let me know that the Ladies' Auxiliary of the Delaware Firefighters placed an order for another 40 sets of pet oxygen masks - small, medium and large - as that group tries to get a set on each firetruck, ambulance or emergency vehicle through its Adopt-a-Truck program.
If you're interested in adopting a station or company, or firetruck or emergency vehicle, call Phyllis Roby at 945-6634 or e-mail her at saveourpets@yahoo.com
6 comments:
What a retarded idea.
Save humans first.
If the animal makes it, great.
If not, "all dogs go to heaven."
Oh please - that comment ...makes me sick to my stomach... you obviously have never owned a pet or had a heart to love anything in your life.........please stay off this forum......you are ruthless..
Check out "K9" chat rooms on AOL and you'll find people who really "love" their dogs. Sickos. Bring a stick to the fire and have a roasted "hot dog!" Don't waste money of gas masks!
I don't have a problem with it as long as the Kennel Club or another animal organization pays for it and animals are not treated until rescuers are sure all humans are safe. Obviously, humans should come first, and then the animals.
Those who think that loving the animals that you have adopted as members of your family are retarded! You all need to grow a heart! Having mourned the loss of several pets I can tell you that you can love them as much and sometimes more than some people! They give love unconditionally and consistently which is more than can be said for some people!
Of course it is human life first and the safety of our first responders BUT they make a search of a fire scene to be sure all is clear and in reaching under a bed or checking a closet they may find a frightened, distressed or unconscious animal. Why not bring it out and make the attempt? There have been many saves made across the country.
Before these specific pet mask sets were DONATED to the fire stations
fire fighters used human masks, styrofoam cups, plastic soda bottles that were cut off and jury rigged or the blow by method of passing the O2 tubing by the animals nose - in some of those cases they were effective and in some not. Now they have an appropriate tool to use.
The Census Bureau says - "The number of U.S. households with pets climbed 7.6 million, to 59.5% of all homes, up from 58.3% in 2001. By comparison, about 35% of U.S. households have children."
(No - I am not saying pets are more important than children - just that the chance of encountering an animal in distress in a home fire is actually higher than encountering a child)
That means - in case you are not following the thread - that there is a 50/50 chance that there is an animal in a home that is involved in a fire. So why not help the animal if they can?
The pet O2 mask is just a tool,
an addition to the training that some firefighters have elected to take.
I understand that not everyone gets it - that is fine - but if our first responders are willing to make an attempt, BRAVO!
Remember - the odds are that 50% of them own a pet too!
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