They are being carried on selected fire engines. The ‘Smokey Paws’ masks are available in three sizes, so a large dog, cat, guinea pig, even a tortoise can be treated. Two sets of these masks have kindly been donated by Quantock Veterinary Hospital to Nether Stowey and Bridgwater Fire Stations. Dominic Phillips, Director and Vet at Quantock Veterinary Hospital said: "After first-hand experience of dealing with the devastating effects of house fires on family pets, staff at Quantock Veterinary Hospital have supported the fund raising for Smokey Paws, our chosen charity for 2016, with great passion and enthusiasm. “We had been thinking of all sorts of different ways to raise money for this great charity so we are particularly pleased that the money will go towards equipment for our local Fire Stations. “I am so impressed by the team's hard work and generosity to raise money for this great cause. It's wonderful that we have already raised the funds for Smokey Paws to supply sets of pet oxygen masks to local stations at Nether Stowey and Bridgwater. Knowing that this will help save lives of pets caught in fires is really rewarding - that thought will motivate us all to continue our fund raising work for the rest of the year to support Smokey Paws to continue to do their great work."Station Manager, Martin Lock from Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service, said: “We are really grateful to Quantock Veterinary Hospital for their donation. In a fire people and animals react very differently. Having the correct equipment available will help improve the chances of survival for a pet affected by smoke immensely, as every second counts after a fire”. Fire stations in the US are provided with this equipment as standard, however in the UK, services are not provided with specific apparatus to resuscitate and treat pets which are unfortunately caught in fires. Smokey Paws’ mission is to raise enough money through public donations, to equip every first responder in the UK with these lifesaving masks. For more information about Smokey Paws go to its website www.smokeypaws.co.uk
