Wag'N O2 Fur Life Provides 11 Pet Oxygen Mask Kits to the Washington DC Fire Department

Herndon, VA, October 07, 2009 --(PR.com)-- Losing a pet in a house fire can be a devastating experience. Over 40,000 pets each year die of smoke asphyxiation. Unlike humans looking to run out during fires, pets instinctively look for a hiding place to protect themselves, increasing their exposure to smoke toxins and pollutants. Once first responders extricate pets from a burning structure, oxygen needs to be provided on the scene. Each kit includes three size masks, oxygen tubing, oxygen flow rate instructions, CPR for cat and dogs diagram and a leash.

Available across North America, the Wag'N O2 Fur Life Program is a distribution mediator providing first responders the ability to carry pet oxygen masks on their emergency vehicles. More specifically, its Fellowship Fund fundraises for fire departments that have no sponsors and no budget for this equipment. The Washington DC Fire Department filed its request to acquire 11 kits through the Wag’N Fellowship on September 7, 2009.

“Wag’N Fundraises year round. When we heard that DC didn’t have any kits, we knew we had to unleash the program fast. October is National Pet Wellness Month. DC pets need to be ready!” says Ines de Pablo, Wag’N founder and Owner.

Wag’N worked with local businesses to ensure that the department’s need could be met by October 1, 2009. Seven Kits will be handed over to the DC Fire Battalion Chiefs and four kits will be given the DC K9 units. The kits will be handed over to the department jump starting National Fire Prevention Week on October 7, 2009 at 1PM at Gallaudet University, in Washington, DC. Following the event Wag’N will provide basic training to the department to ensure the responders stay safe and help the pets they rescue using appropriate pet safety techniques.

Fire departments in the greater Washington Metropolitan area are already equipped with pet oxygen masks. Since 2008, pet oxygen masks are standard equipment on 37 engine companies, and 25 advanced life support units for firefighters in Fairfax County. Each fire station throughout Loudoun County carries at least one complete pet oxygen mask kit. Arlington County, VA carries 7 pet oxygen mask kits on all their medical units since 2004.

Participating businesses include the eco friendly Washington DC pet supply store The Big Bad Woof; the Dogma Gourmet Dog Bakery and Boutique in Arlington; the award-winning quarterly magazine dedicated to Canine-Inspired Living in the DC Metro NOVADog Magazine, who each donated a kit.

Additionally, The Big Bad Woof gathered monies through in store donations and NOVADog Magazine remains a proud sponsor of the O2 Fur Life Campaign beyond these 11 kits. $1 from every Subscription purchased goes to the O2 Fur Life Campaign. Bark’N Bubbles Dog Wash from Ashburn hosted the Wag’N Charity Dog Wash on September 19 and raised $135 within 4 hours.

For more information on pet oxygen masks please visit http://petoxygenmask.blogspot.com

Press Special Instructions: Please proceed to main gate of Gallaudet University (800 Florida Avenue, NE). Guard will provide specific instructions on site.

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