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SurgiVet Oxygen Recovery Masks
Now Lt. Rinehart and the Junior Fire Company are one step closer to being able to save pets who suffer smoke inhalation, thanks to the efforts of the Animal Welfare League of Frederick County (AWLFC) and a device called SurgiVet. An oxygen mask designed specifically for dogs, cats, and other small animals, SurgiVet can make the difference between life and death for an animal rescued from a fire. AWLFC volunteer Karen Barnes learned about SurgiVet from the web site of a small non-profit group, Help Animals, Inc., whose goal is to equip fire engines throughout the country with the SurgiVet animal oxygen mask. Barnes presented the idea to the AWLFC Board. "A few days later, the News-Post featured a photo of Lt. Rinehart carrying a cat from a burning house," notes Barnes. "That photo strengthened our commitment to work with the community to reach our goal of equipping every fire truck in Frederick County with these life-saving masks." On Friday, February 10th, AWLFC President, Ellen Gardiner, presented a donated mask set (which includes large and small dog masks and a cat mask) to Lt. Rinehart. "We need the community's help to reach our goal," emphasizes Gardiner, adding that the AWLFC will sponsor fundraisers as well as request donations. Each mask set costs $50.00. If you would like to donate to this worthwhile cause, go to the AWLFC web site (www.awlfc.org) or mail a check to AWLFC, P.O. Box 690, Frederick, MD 21705-0690. Donations can be made in memory of a pet, pets, or human loved one, and all donors will receive an acknowledgement. An AWLFC volunteer will deliver a set of the masks to a fire company with a certificate of donation in memory of your loved one. Note: As of March 2007, the masks are now $55.00 per set.
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House fires destroy more than human lives and personal property. A recent Frederick News-Post article (Sunday, February 6, 2006) reports that in 2005, more than 40,000 dogs and cats died from smoke inhalation in house fires nationwide. Frederick County fire-fighter, Lt. Edie Rinehart, is all too familiar with the devastation people face when they lose not only their homes and property, but their beloved pets. "While our first priority is the safety of human victims of fires and the lives of fire-fighters, every life is worth saving," explains Rinehart. "Sometimes, when fire victims have lost their home and possessions, being able to hold their cat or dog is their only solace."