Thomas County residents love their pets, and many households have multiple four-legged family members living with them under one roof. Dogs, cats, ferrets and birds enjoy the security, love and care they receive from their two-legged friends for years, until a disastrous fire strikes.

Thomas County Emergency Services will rush into a house engulfed in flames to rescue humans and pets. But what of the pets that are instinctively hiding under beds or closets in fear of flames and smoke? Precious time is spent searching for the family dog or cat that is hiding, and while eventually rescued, many are pulled out of a burning house in a  semi-conscious or unconscious state from smoke inhalation.

Red Road Rescue, Inc., a non-profit organization in the county, recognized the need to provide the county Emergency Services with a means of helping firefighters revive rescued pets. Recently through the generous support of Red Rescue, Thomas County Emergency Services was presented with 14 Wag’N Pet Oxygen Mask Kits. The kits, which are manufactured in New Zealand, contain three different-sized face masks that can accommodate large dogs to birds, and are popular with emergency services organizations throughout North America.

The donation to the county was “a no-brainer,” said Red Road president Johnny Bracey. “We saw a need for these masks and were happy to provide them.”

Derrick Ogletree, director of Thomas County Emergency Services, said the masks are invaluable in their rescue efforts.

“Now every front-line staffed vehicle that covers the county will be equipped with a pet mask kit. Members of Emergency Services will be trained to use them. When they see this orange bag on the vehicle, they’ll know exactly what to use and how to use it.”

Ogletree appreciates the community support in helping his team.  

“This donation from Red Road gives us an additional tool for us to do a better job,” he said. “These masks are specifically designed for cats and dogs. Really, they’re the most efficient way to supply oxygen.”

For more information about Red Road Rescue, Inc. visit its website at www.redroadrescue.org. Applications are online to sign up for volunteering, fostering, and adopting. Click on the “Donate” button for donations through PayPal, debit or credit card.