News
Get Involved with Wag’N O2 Fur Life
May 31, 2008, 12:53PM MT
By Jennifer Schrolucke
Because the pet’s life you save, could be your own.
Because the pet’s life you save, could be your own.
By Jen Schrolucke, Best Friends Network Volunteer and Ines De Pablo, Wag’N Enterprises President & Chief Wag’N Officer
Are your local fire fighters and first responders equipped to save your pet in the event of a fire? Click here to find out if your fire department is oxygenated.
Most fire, law enforcement and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) are generally not allowed to spend tax dollars to purchase equipment that is not aimed at saving human lives. As a result only a few departments across the nation currently have the proper equipment to save your pets. Like humans, pets involved in fires suffer from smoke inhalation. Smoke contains many substances that can cause damage to their body and their ability to breathe. The purpose of the oxygen masks is to provide both humans and pets with the proper amount of pure oxygen to assist their breathing before they lose consciousness. Pet oxygen masks save pet lives, no question about it. Due to anatomical differences between humans and pets, human oxygen masks generally carried by first responders are ineffective as most of the oxygen flow gets wasted. Pet oxygen masks take care of that problem.
First designed to be used by veterinarians, these masks come in various sizes to fit different types and sizes of pets. Their positive use in the field is now well recognized by rescue organizations, veterinarians and first responders. The masks can be used on cats, dogs, ferrets, rabbits, birds, and guinea pigs. But how can we ensure that all departments have the tools to help save your pets? The Wag’N O2 Fur Life program now has the solution.
The O2 Fur Life Program can get the masks to departments across the nation. Their goal is to outfit one kit per emergency vehicle. Each kit includes three oxygen masks; small, medium, and large, as well as three sets of tubing. The affordable kits are priced at $75 each. How does Wag’N Enterprises do it?
The O2 Fur Life Program provides several methods to achieve that goal. One option is to enlist pet friendly organizations and groups and have them contact their local fire, police or EMS departments and make sure that they are interested in acquiring the kits. Once a positive response is received, the organization raises the funds to acquire the pre-determined amount of kits needed by the department. Funds can be raised in the community through bake sales, dog washes, or other fun fundraising events.
Another option involves communicating with various first responder departments to find out if they can acquire the kits using their allotted budget. For those departments that desire the kits but cannot get the funding or the community’s help in time, Wag’N enters those departments in what it calls the Wag’N O2 Fellowship. Communities are then encouraged to visit the Fellowship page to find out if their department is listed there. If it is, the community can then chose to sponsor a listed department. For those that cannot make a full amount commitment, or don’t have time to fundraise, donations are accepted. Donations go into the Fellowship Fund. Wag’N holds a bi-monthly lottery to award funds to these fellow departments. Wag’N acquires the funds through generous donations on its website and at various events around the country.
Wag’N recently distributed the first kit to a fire department in Batavia, Ohio. Thanks to the generosity of Melissa Albert. She learned about the use of pet oxygen masks while taking a first aid class in Pierce Township. Luckily, Melissa saw an ad in Bark Magazine and found this program. She was able to go on-line, download the necessary forms, and once she got the go ahead and signatures from her local fire chief, the process was in motion. She opted not to fundraise for the kit after realizing that it inexpensive enough for her and her husband to cover. In fact, the donation of the kit was Melissa’s birthday gift from her husband! Melissa feels confident that her dog, Madison a golden retriever who is certified as a therapy dog, as well as other dogs in the township are safer since the acquisition of the kit. The dogs in Batavia are sure to keep on wag’n!
What You Can Do:
For more information on how you, your friends, community and/or fire department can get involved, please visit Wag’N 4U
Photo courtesy of Wag'N Enterprises