Bark Park Association donates pet lifesaving equipment

May 3, 2018 | Debbie Gardner
debbieg@thereminder.com

Pictured left to right: Bark Park Association Board Members Gail Allsop, Linda Picard and President Bill Couzelis present the Wag‘N O2 Fur Life pet rescue equipment to Captain Christopher Beecher, Fire & Life Safety Educator for the East Longmeadow Fire Department.
Reminder Publications photo by Debbie Gardner

EAST LONGMEADOW – The fire department now has one more piece of lifesaving equipment in its arsenal, thanks to a donation by the East Longmeadow Bark Park Association.

On April 27, Association President Bill Couzelis and board members Gail Allsop and Linda Picard presented the Wag ‘N O2 Fur Life pet oxygen mask equipment to Captain Christopher Beecher, Fire & Life Safety Educator for the Fire Department. According to a release provided by the Association, the kit includes oxygen masks in three different sizes to fit different pet muzzles, as well as an adaptor to connect the masks to an oxygen supply.

Beecher called the presentation a “very gracious donation” that would become an important part of the department’s toolbox going forward.

“People consider their animals family members,” Beecher said. “It’s important we have something more to insure successful outcomes [at fires and emergencies].”

Beecher added the department had encountered pet emergencies during fire events in the past, and that most full-time staff has already been trained on pet lifesaving equipment. Couzelis said the Wag’N O2 equipment includes a PowerPoint training manual that will be available to help familiarize all department members with the equipment and its operation.

The pet rescue equipment, which cost approximately $100, was purchased by the Association using donations received from local businesses and dog owners in support of the Association. It was the second presentation the group has made to the town; Couzelis said the Bark Park Association donated a small animal trap to the Police Department last year.

He said providing the town with equipment like the trap and rescue masks was part of the Bark Park Association’s commitment to “being a good neighbor.”

Individuals interested in making a donation to help support the dog park and the work of the Association may send a chek to: ELBPA, P.O. Box 961, East Longmeadow, MA 01028.

Share this: