February 23, 2007
For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Angela Speed
Phone: 414. 431.6104
E-mail: aspeed@wihumane.org

With Your Help, Ozaukee County Firefighters May Soon Carry Animal Oxygen Masks

GRAFTON, Wis. — Ozaukee County’s fire personnel are known for their lifesaving work when it comes to extinguishing fires and saving people’s lives. But what happens to the four-legged family members during a fire? As firefighters remove people from a burning home, dogs, cats and small animals are frequently rescued from the site, too. Unfortunately, the oxygen masks used to resuscitate animals are ineffective because they are intended for humans and don’t fit properly on animals.

The Ozaukee Humane Society is launching a fundraising campaign to outfit Ozaukee County Firehouses with oxygen masks for companion animals. Supplying these firehouses with masks will help firefighters challenged with the task of providing emergency care for animals. This equipment can help companion animals recover from severe smoke inhalation and possibly even prevent death.

OHS plans to raise enough money to provide each firehouse and medical response unit with a set of three masks. Each set contains masks of multiple sizes which can fit animals of all sizes, from small guinea pigs to large dogs. The total amount needed to purchase 15 masks is about $825. All funds will go directly towards the purchase of oxygen masks.

Each set costs only $55, but you can make a donation in any dollar amount. To contribute a donation to this effort, please go to www.ozaukeehumane.org. More information and links are also provided on the Ozaukee Humane Society website.

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INTERVIEW/PHOTO OPPORTUNITY: To obtain pictures of animals wearing the oxygen masks, or to schedule an interview, please call Angela Speed at 414.431.6104 or email her at aspeed@wihumane.org. Images are available in jpeg format only.