An animal safety group has donated some special kits to the Eugene-Springfield Fire Department. As KLCC’s Brian Bull reports, they’re to ensure pets are cared for at disaster scenes.
Meet Casey. He’s a Dalmatian with Fire Station Number One in Eugene. He sniffs my microphone.
[Sniffing sounds]
Casey can drop and roll, test fire alarms, and even dial 9-1-1…on a special keypad. One thing he can’t do on his own, is put on a special oxygen mask for dogs and cats. That’s where EMS Chief Joanna Kamppi comes in…
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"This piece of equipment is reusable," explains Kamppi. "It has different size masks for it, so depending on the size of the muzzle…”
The masks are part of what’s called a “Fido Bag”. They come with bandages, leashes, a water bowl, and a pillow case for cats…as they like to be held more securely.
Assistant Fire Marshall Amy Linder says the Fetch Foundation in Scottsdale, Arizona, donated three Fido Bags.
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“Just an additional tool and resource for us to treat animals, which are for most families, a part of the family," says Linder. "So we’re just building our stock of tools and resources to take care of all family members.”
A Fido Bag has gone to each of the battalion chief’s rigs in the Eugene-Springfield Fire Department.
Copyright 2017, KLCC.