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07/21/2017 12:00 AMThe Guilford Fire Department has received a donation of three sets of specially designed pet oxygen masks from at-home pet services provider Canine Company.
The Department has had masks in the past, but need to replace some older, used sets. The mask kits retail for about $90 each.
Family pets are at special risk during a home fire because they are unable to leave the house without help. An estimated 40,000 die each year from smoke inhalation. The cone-shaped pet masks are designed for a pet’s snout, which human masks do not fit, and come in three sizes to fit a wide range of pets — from small mammals to giant breed dogs.
“The new Pet Oxygen Masks will be carried on Rescue 1 which responds to all fires in the Town of Guilford,” said Fire Chief Charles Herrschaft. “Rescue 1 also responds to surrounding towns for fires, so the masks would be available to surrounding communities for immediate use.”
Canine Company’s is on a mission to ensure that first responders have the tools needed to resuscitate pets rescued during house fires. In the last year alone, Canine Company has donated the mask kits to more than 80 communities across New England, New York and New Jersey, including the Branford and New Haven Fire Departments.
“Our company was founded by a family of pet lovers and our mission is to help other families keep their pets healthy, safe and happy,” said Renee Coughlin of Canine Company. “We do that with the services we offer and it’s the focus of our charitable programs, too.”
“Our goal is to get these in to the hands of first responders wherever our clients live so they are ready to handle an emergency involving family pets,” she added.
It is important for first responders to know there are pets in the home when responding to an emergency, so Canine Company is offering free “pets inside” decals to pet parents to place on a front door or window. To request a free decal, go to https://www.caninecompany.com/topic/petdecal.aspx.
Canine Company’s at-home services include Invisible Fence® Brand pet containment system, Manners dog obedience training and mobile pet grooming. The company supports pet rescue groups through its charitable Canine Gives campaign as well as donating pet oxygen masks to first responders. For information, visit www.caninecompany.com or call 800-818-3647.