SAS Seeks Matching Funds for Pet Oxygen Masks
Susquehanna Animal Shelter Seeks Matching Funds for Pet Oxygen Masks
The Susquehanna Animal Shelter (SAS) was recently offered $2,500 from an anonymous donor who lost their pet to smoke inhalation during a house fire. If the SAS can raise a matching $2,500 by March 25, the goal is to provide each of the 29 volunteer Fire Departments and one Paid Fire Department in Otsego County with two oxygen masks made specifically for household pets.
When emergency personnel respond to a fire, the human victims are provided with oxygen through a “re-breather” mask. These masks, made for humans do not fit pets. To save the life of a dog or cat, a smaller mask is required.
In preparation of this fundraising effort, the SAS has been working closely with the Otsego County Emergency Services Department to ensure all Departments are covered and the right equipment will be purchased. According to Otsego County Emergency Services staff, they respond to an average of 50 home fires each year and many include pets.
SAS Executive Director, Stacie Haynes notes, “the SAS is proud to care for homeless and abandoned animals in Otsego County and with this project, bringing pet oxygen masks to fire departments, we are thrilled to extend our mission to helping our community members and their best friends, some of which are SAS alumni, in a time of need.”
Contributions toward this matching fund of $2,500 can be dropped off at the SAS, located at 4841 State Highway 28 in Cooperstown. They can also be mailed or processed online at www.thesas.org.
Anyone with questions can stop by or call the SAS at (607) 547-8111.
