Providing masks for pets

PALS donates equipment to help save Lodi pets’ lives

Four representatives of PALS, (People Assisting Lodi Shelter) led by a fifth furry companion, made their way to Lodi Fire Station One on Friday afternoon.

They were carrying six bright orange bags containing life-saving oxygen masks, especially designed for the fourpawed members of local families, to be used in case of a fire.

“We’re a rescue group, and we wanted to do anything we can to help our local community,” said PALS’ Janet Ferguson, who initiated the campaign to raise funds for the masks. In total the group raised $2,200, which was enough to purchase 22 pet oxygen masks.

The group has been distributing them to local fire departments. The masks can be cleaned and reused, and the kits also include tubing which can be hooked up to a breathing apparatus. The new lifesaving equipment will be placed on the battalion chief’s vehicle at Station One. The battalion chief responds to all fires in the city.

After giving the fifth member of the group — a yellow, wiry-haired 5-year-old dog named Topaz — a thorough belly rub, Battalion Chief Michael Alegre II showed the PALS members an image of a dog rescued from a house fire in 2013. The rescue was carried out with a regular mask, and he noted that the new masks will provide a more secure fit for animals in need.

“We are hoping these masks will never have to be used, but if it happens, we will have the proper equipment to save an animal,” he said.

NEWS-SENTINEL PHOTOGRAPHS BY BEA AHBECK Lodi Fire Department Batatalion Chief Michael Alegre II shows the rest of the firefighters in attendance a bag of pet-sized oxygen masks as PALS member Janet Ferguson shows him the instructions as she and three other PALS members present six bags of oxygen masks to the Lodi Fire Department’s Station One in Lodi on Friday afternoon.

Lodi Fire Department Battalion Chief Michael Alegre II, right, gives a belly rub to owner-surrendered dog Topaz, who accompanied PALS manager Stephen Curr at Station One in Lodi on Friday afternoon. Topaz is available for adoption.