Breath of Life

Tail Wagger’s is proud to announce the distribution of oxygen masks to local Fire Departments. This long-time vision was made possible by the generous donations from the supporters that attended the 20th Annual TailWagger’s Bowl.

Chairman Matt Schaecher, a Detroit Firefighter, had risked his own life when he carried a dog out of a fire, using his own oxygen mask, causing minor lung damage. To date, 29 sets of masks have been purchased - each containing a large canine, small canine and feline.

Founder Laura Zain has set her sights high and is hoping to equip all of Wayne, Washtenaw and Livingston County if donations are received. Each oxygen mask set costs $50 and comes included with the hosing and instruction card.

To date in Wayne County, Westland, Redford, Garden City and Inkster and in Washtenaw County, City of Ypsilanti, Ypsilanti Twp., and Superior Twp. Fire Departments have all received oxygen masks from Tail Wagger’s.  Citizens of these cities/counties can be assured that every rescue vehicle is equipped and ready to save the life of their pet!

Watch our progress and view the photo-stories of presentations made to date.

Donations can be made specifically to the Breath of Life Campaign so that we can continue to equip the Fire Departments that are in need. Thank you for saving the life of someone's pet!

Supplemental Oxygen Mask The supplemental O2 masks can be used to provide oxygen to animals that are in respiratory distress. The mask has a 22mm x hose barb adapter on the inlet side, allowing you to connect either oxygen tubing (included) or the adapter can be removed to allow the attachment of a standard 22mm resuscitation bag or to an anesthesia machine breathing circuit. The mask also has dual vents on the sides to allow unrestricted inhalation and exhalation. If oxygen flow is set too low for patient requirement, the vents will allow the patient to inhale ambient air. If oxygen flow is set too high for patient requirement, the vents will allow excess air to escape.

Local Fire Departments Receives Life-Saving Tool For Pet Rescue

January, 2010 – When fire strikes, family pets can be injured or die from inhaling smoke. Because human oxygen masks don’t fit over animals’ snouts, local firefighters and rescue personnel can’t do much to help them. Until now.

Pet owners in Westland, Redford and Garden City can breathe a little easier – and so can their pets – because firefighters are receiving sets of specially-designed oxygen masks for use on dogs and cats – thanks to the generosity of Tail Wagger’s USA.

The fire department’s newly-acquired masks operate much as human masks do, but are cone-shaped to fit over an animal’s snout and come in three sizes – large canine mask, small canine mask and feline. Their design makes them more effective at delivering oxygen to family pets who have suffered smoke inhalation during a home fire.

Tail Wagger’s heard about the oxygen masks and was able to purchase them primarily due to the generous donations and support from their recent Tail Wagger’s Bowl – their signature fundraising event held every November.

Founder Laura Zain had a vision three years ago to equip local fire fighters with these masks after hearing about how Matt Schaecher, a Detroit Firefighter, had to carry a dog out of a house fire in Detroit. Schaecher put his own life at risk by using his own oxygen mask to save a dog and suffered minor lung damage because of it.

Pets are at a greater risk than their owners of suffering smoke inhalation during a home fire because they hide rather than leave the house. Last year, more than 40,000 family pets died in home fires across the United States.

More cities can receive the masks if animal lovers step forward to contribute to the Tail Wagger’s Breath Of Life campaign. Mask sets cost $50 each and to date, twenty-nine sets have been purchased and will be distributed to neighboring cities in need.

Contributions can be made through www.tailwaggersusa.org or by mail at 27859 Oakley St., Livonia, MI 48154.

Tail Wagger’s is a 501 (c)(3) Non-Profit Organization, committed to helping people help animals. It is their ultimate goal to be able to support dedicated pet owners who are in need of assistance along with providing necessary funding for those animals in emergency situations.

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