Thanks to a generous donation from an Arizona-based foundation, six pet oxygen kits -- also called "Fido Bags" -- are now being carried by four more Rogue Valley agencies.
Rural Metro Fire Department got its first kit in 2010 and now nearly all local fire agencies in Josephine and Jackson counties carry the kits due to similar donations.
Rural Metro -- working in coordination with The Fetch Foundation -- facilitated a presentation in Grants Pass this week. Receiving agencies included the Illinois Valley Fire District, Jackson County Fire District #1, Evans Valley Fire District and Greensprings Rural Fire Protection District.
The primary tool inside the Fido Bag is the specially-designed mask that concentrates oxygen more efficiently than those designed for humans. Pets are family members, too, and treatment of smoke inhalation in animal fire victims is equally important.
The top of the kits includes the number 19, in honor and memory of the 19 members of the Granite Mountain Hotshots who perished in 2013 as well as the badge number of the firefighter son of The Fetch Foundation's founder who died from occupational cancer.
To learn more about The Fetch Foundation or to donate to the ongoing effort of getting these kits into every fire engine in America, please take time to visit "thefetchfoundation.com."
