Information: projectpawsalive.org or email Cheryl Allen at cheryl@projectpawsalive.org
Today, every emergency response vehicle in Paulding County Fire and Rescue is outfitted with oxygen masks specially designed to fit pets to be used for resuscitation after a dog or cat is rescued from a fire.
This feat was a result of Lois Diehl who was motivated to raise money for the local fire and rescue department.
“I never thought about the dogs and cats who also get rescued until I saw something on the news ,” said Diehl, who lives in Dallas. “I contacted our local fire and rescue department to find out how I can help our local first responders better serve all members of a family, which includes pets.”
She learned that not all emergency response vehicles come equipped with oxygen masks for dogs and cats. Diehl partnered with Project Paws Alive, a nonprofit that provides vital K9 equipment such as stab and bullet protective vests and first aid field trauma kits to law enforcement, fire, search & rescue, and military K-9s throughout the United States.
Through the nonprofit and with the help of the community, Diehl raised approximately $1,500 that went to purchasing specially designed animal masks that can be used both on conscious pets that have suffered from smoke inhalation and pets that need to be resuscitated after losing consciousness from exposure to the dangerous toxic fumes.
“This was a great fundraiser for our community and our pets as many of these agencies do not receive funding for this equipment,” said Cheryl Allen, founder of Project Paws Alive.
In fact, over 90 percent of these agencies are underfunded and would not have this protective equipment without these donations.
“We are gratified to receive this donation and look forward to adding pet oxygen masks to our other emergency medical equipment,” Chief Joey Pelfrey added.
Diehl encouraged the community to reach out to their local fire and rescue departments to bring pet oxygen masks for first responder teams. Many can also volunteer directly with Project Paws Alive by participating in and sharing fundraising events and raising awareness about its mission.
In other news: BJ's Charitable Foundation flash funded 26 classroom projects to support teachers and students in East Point and College Park. A majority of funding went towards literacy and language focused projects well as Music and the Arts in high-poverty classrooms across all grade levels. BJ's Charitable Foundation was established with the mission to enrich every community BJ's Wholesale Clubs serve. The foundation supports nonprofit organizations that primarily benefit the underprivileged in the areas of hunger prevention and education.
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