To save a dog's life
Larry, a dog up for adoption at Companions Animal Center, on Tuesday looks at one of the 20 PureVent Pet oxygen masks for first responders, which will be placed
on fire engines throughout Kootenai County.
BILL BULEY/Press
Northern Lakes Fire District personnel and Jamie and Andy Smith pose with dogs at Companions Animal Center on Tuesday. From left, Austin Winters, Chris Larson, Jason Paulson, Jarrod Pitts, Tyler Drechsel, and Jamie and Andy Smith.
Some of the PureVent pet oxygen masks donated for first responders on fire engines throughout Kootenai County.
HAYDEN — The day after Jamie Smith saw a news report about a pet oxygen mask being used to help save an animal's life, she called Northern Lakes Fire District.
"Do you have those?" she asked Tyler Drechsel, Northern Lakes fire marshal.
No, Dreschsel told her.
That had to change, Jamie Smith said, so she and husband Andy Smith donated about $3,000 to pay for 20 PureVent pet oxygen masks that will be placed on fire engines throughout Kootenai County.
"Our pets are family, too," Jamie Smith said. "It's really important they have the tools to save every pet in a family."
The presentation of the masks was made Tuesday at Companions Animal Center, where Andy Smith is a board member and Jamie is a former board member.
The PureVent technology incorporated into the masks "enables safe and effective oxygen administration for pets, a vital tool for emergency response for our furry friends," according to a press release.
Each year, more than 500,000 pets are affected by house fires. Oxygen is the first line of treatment for emergency recovery.
The oxygen mask kits come in three sizes to fit pets, both large and small.
Drechsel said, in the majority of house fires they respond to, pets are involved.
"These masks are a game-changer for our first responders, and we can't thank the Smiths enough for their commitment to the safety and well-being of our community's pets," he said.
Vicky Nelson, CAC development director, said the partnership with Northern Lakes Fire District aligns with their mission to provide the best possible care for animals in need.
"We are excited to showcase the life-saving capabilities of the PureVent pet oxygen masks and to continue our work in rehoming and protecting the animals in our community," she said.
Chris Larson, deputy fire marshal with Northern Lakes, said pets suffer from smoke inhalation during fires.
Being able to care for those pets can comfort homeowners already struggling with damage to their home, or even the loss of it to a fire.
"If you can save their pets, for some, that's everything," Larson said.
