By Richard Price
Grafton News Editor –
When the Grafton Fire Department responds to a house fire, saving lives is at the top of the list. But when a majority of homes in town (and America) also includes a dog, cat or other pet, saving lives is more complicated and requires special training, equipment — and money.
Fire officials will be part of two events in August to meet a $1,500 fundraiser goal to supply three pet saving kits, one for each station and residents are asked to help.
“We really don’t have the equipment to adequately handle this, and statistically speaking we are up to six times more likely to encounter animals in modern rescue situations than people,” said the Grafton Fire Department in an email.
The total initial cost to purchase basic equipment for each station will be approximately $2,000, said Dave Runyan, medical coordinator for the fire department, adding that the department was recently awarded a $500 grant from the Tufts University Cummings School Service Fund.
Each pet saving kit will include resuscitation equipment, a specially designed oxygen mask, muzzles, safe handling equipment, a snare device to safely handle aggressive animals, special first-aid equipment and pet food.
Several Grafton firefighters, including Runyan, recently attended pet specific CPR and first aid training called Basic Animal Rescue Training, or BART. Runyan said often in an emergency animals are in distress and are difficult for first responders to handle so specialized training is important.
On Saturday, Aug. 20, Ana’s Pets Mobile Salon will be at the main headquarters at 26 Upton Street, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to provide pet nail trimmings with all donations going to the worthy cause. A pet massage therapist will also be present to demonstrate techniques to owners on reducing stress and anxiety in their pets, as well as natural methods to alleviate muscular aches and pains. The next day, the fire department and the pet salon truck will be at Silver Lake Beach during Doggie Dip Day from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
If you can’t make it, donations will be accepted anytime. Checks can be made payable to Grafton Fire Department with “Pet Rescue Grant Account” in the memo. Mail to Grafton Fire Headquarters, ℅ Animal Rescue Fundraiser, 26 Upton Street, Grafton, MA., 01519.
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