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Donated Rescue Gear Helps Pets' Survival Chances In Eugene-Springfield

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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.

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Casey makes an official comment to KLCC.

[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…

Credit Brian Bull / KLCC
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Casey the Dalmation gets help modeling an oxygen mask made for pets, from Assistant Fire Marshall Amy Linder.

"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.

Credit Brian Bull / KLCC
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KLCC
EMS Chief Joanna Kamppi holds one of three donated FIDO Bags given to the Eugene Springfield Fire Dept.

“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. 

Brian Bull is an assistant professor of journalism at the University of Oregon, and remains a contributor to the KLCC news department. He began working with KLCC in June 2016.   In his 27+ years as a public media journalist, he's worked at NPR, Twin Cities Public Television, South Dakota Public Broadcasting, Wisconsin Public Radio, and ideastream in Cleveland. His reporting has netted dozens of accolades, including four national Edward R. Murrow Awards (22 regional),  the Ohio Associated Press' Best Reporter Award, Best Radio Reporter from  the Native American Journalists Association, and the PRNDI/NEFE Award for Excellence in Consumer Finance Reporting.
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