VALLEY, N.S.
Members of the Valley-Kemptown Fire Brigade recently accepted a donation they hope they never need to use.
The brigade received a kit containing three oxygen masks for animals through Invisible Fence Brand’s ‘Project Breathe’ program.
“We’ve had many situations where we could have used them,” said Mary Leggett, a member of the brigade. “We already have oxygen on the truck, and made do with what we had, but this will certainly help the animals more.”
Bryanna Zwicker, who works for Invisible Fence Brand, sent out notifications to fire brigades across Nova Scotia, letting them know about the donation program.
“It’s a way for the company to give back and make sure fur children are taken care of,” she said. “The company started this through head office, in Tennessee, in 2009, and has given out thousands of kits across North America. There are 480 lives reported saved, thanks to the masks, but I suspect the number is higher.”
She said 70 kits have been provided to fire brigades across Nova Scotia, and there are plans to donate 30 more this summer. Each kit contained a small, medium and large mask, and is valued at about $100. The large size masks can be used on horses and cattle.
“The goal is for the majority of fire brigades to have these.,” said Zwicker.
“I’m an animal lover and having the peace of mind in knowing the fire department is equipped to help furry family members is important to me.”
Her three-month-old Bernese Mountain dog-poodle cross, Winston, is being trained as a demonstration dog for the masks.
“These masks fill a need,” said fire brigade member Darren Pring. “The EHS supplies material for people but pets don’t fit into their purview.”
Through Project Breathe, fire departments are eligible to receive one kit per station.
“Our pets mean a lot to us, and they depend on us to keep them safe,” added Leggett. “Everyone should have an escape plan, with another place to put them in case of fire.”
More information on Project Breathe can be found online at invisiblefence.com .
