Greater Sudbury Fire Services demonstrates the new pet oxygen masks on Sencha.
Greater Sudbury Fire Services demonstrates the new pet oxygen masks on Sencha.

By Angela Gemmill

Our furry friends have some added protection if they need to be rescued from a burning building.

Greater Sudbury Fire Services now has ten pet oxygen masks to help domestic animals suffering from smoke inhalation.

The equipment was donated by a national company, Invisible Fence Brand, through its Project Breathe initiative.

It was Chelmsford resident, Lee Duguid, who was instrumental in helping acquire the donation.

The animal lover says she’s been working on the project since February.

The breathing masks have been placed at eight fire stations across the city…and have already been in use for the past three weeks.

Duguid says she’s heard of one cat being helped already in Greater Sudbury.

The cone-shaped, plastic breathing mask can be used on dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs and birds.

Each kit costs $100 and includes three sizes of masks plus leashes and collars.

Duguid says she already started on the campaign to get more, which she hopes will be added to EMS vehicles.

(Picture: Greater Sudbury Firefighter Barry Moore, Sencha and Assistant Deputy Fire Chief Jesse Oshell demonstrate the new pet oxygen masks)