From the Dallas Morning News:  What a great idea!  As many as 40,000 pets are killed in fires each year, usually from smoke inhalation.  The number is so high because pets, scared by the fire, smoke, and commotion, often hide from firefighters. 

To help combat this problem, firefighters in McKinney, Texas now have access to special equipment that will fit over a dog or cat’s muzzle to administer oxygen.  These kits, given to the fire department by Dog Scouts of America, Troup 119, cost about $55 each.

Keri Price Grant, fire and life safety coordinator with the McKinney Fire Department, says, “For years we just tried to use human oxygen masks. We tried to retrofit the mask to fit a dog, and that doesn’t work well. We are not a mobile veterinary care unit, and these kits are strictly for use in a fire. Our top priority is saving human beings, but in our society, many people consider their pets to be their children and members of their family.”

The kits come with three sizes of muzzle masks to fit most household pets.  The Dog Scout Troop has donated 85 kits to fire departments all over the Dallas area, with a promise to resupply the disposable masks as needed.

Dog Scouts of America is a non-profit group which seeks to encourage responsible pet ownership.  Two paws up to them for such a thoughtful gift! 

Until next time,

Good day, and good dog!

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