HOLLAND TWP. - The township's Volunteer Fire Company has received a donation of two sets of pet oxygen masks from Canine Company.
Chief Thomas Welsh requested the donation after learning about Canine Company's campaign to get the life-saving masks into the hands of first responders in communities where the company does business, according to a news release.
"Holland Fire is extremely grateful to Canine Company for equipping us with another important tool to serve the residents, including the four-legged ones, of Holland Township," said Welsh. "We hope we never have to use these masks, but we are now better prepared to handle calls involving pets."
Several Hunterdon County fire departments have already received the masks. Three pets were given oxygen using masks during a New Year's Eve blaze in Raritan Township.
A pet cat saved from last summer's fire at Spruce Hills condominium complex was also given oxygen using a mask.
The Canine Company's Canine Saves project has been donating pet oxygen masks to New Jersey fire departments and rescue squads, including Annandale Hose Company #1 in Clinton Township and Hampton Fire Company Station 13.
The cone-shaped pet masks donated by Canine Company are designed for a pet's snout, which human masks do not fit, according to a news release. Each set includes three sizes for a wide range of pets - from small mammals to giant breed dogs - and connect to standard oxygen tanks the rescue teams carry.
Canine Company is offering township resident free "pets inside" decals that they can place on a front door or window to alert firefighters to pets in the home. The decals can be requested online.
"Our company was founded by a family of pet lovers and our mission is to help other families keep their pets healthy, safe and happy," said Renee Coughlin of Canine Company. "We do that with the services we offer and it's the focus of our charitable programs, too."
Last year, Canine Company donated more than 120 sets of masks to first responders across the Northeast, including to 44 New Jersey fire departments and EMS squads.
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