Pet Oxygen Mask Donated to Fire Company

Local pets and their owners will be breathing a little easier, thanks to the recent donation of a Wag'N O2 Fur Life pet oxygen mask kit to Hellertown's .

The donation was orchestrated by the , a volunteer organization that is currently working to ensure that all fire companies in Lehigh and Northampton counties are equipped with pet oxygen masks.

In many cases, fire departments cannot purchase the masks themselves, since they are often not allowed to purchase equipment that is not designed to save human lives.

Dewey's pet oxygen mask kit was purchased with money donated by customers at Puffins Cafe on Route 412 in Bethlehem, where a container for donations explained the campaign.

The owners of Puffins, Mia and Sal Monteiro, supported the fundraising effort, and were on hand for the presentation of the oxygen mask to and others from the company and on May 21.

Mia Monteiro said she was motivated to get involved with the campaign as a pet lover, with seven dogs and numerous other animals at home.

Delmore noted that the pet oxygen mask will be the company's second, and said that Dewey and other Saucon Valley volunteer fire companies might benefit from a training and information session offered by Lehigh Valley CART.

Donna Lagomarsino, Public Information Officer for the organization, said the animal response team is in the process of coordinating fundraising for pet oxygen masks that will ultimately be donated to the , and fire companies in Lower Saucon Township.

Each mask costs $75, and area residents can make a tax deductible donation to the campaign by visiting www.lvcart.com, where more information about the pet oxygen masks is available.

Donation containers are located at businesses throughout the Lehigh Valley, and other businesses willing to host containers are also being sought, Lagomarsino said.

Information about how to participate is available by calling Lagomarsino at 610-749-2012.

When individuals donate to the campaign online or by phone, they can request that their donation benefit a local volunteer fire company, she noted.

A "Paws to the Rescue" Dog Walk to support Lehigh Valley CART's Pet Oxygen Mask Campaign will also be held June 10 from noon to 3:30pm near the Rose Garden in Allentown's Cedar Creek Park, Lagomarsino said.

The walk will begin at 2pm, and the cost to participate is $10 per individual or $25 per family.

Raffles, exhibits, refreshments and demonstrations will be part of the event, and "Judgement the Arson Dog" will be at the park.