Paws Finding Peace Donates Pet Oxygen Masks to Blandford Fire Department

CHICOPEE — Paws Finding Peace, a locally owned and operated provider of compassionate pet aftercare services, is partnering with the Massachusetts Veterinary Medical Assoc. Charities to provide the Blandford Fire Department with five pet oxygen mask kits, ensuring every department vehicle is equipped to provide lifesaving oxygen support to pets during emergency responses.

On July 8, Dr. Lauren Atkins and Nitasha Quinones of Paws Finding Peace met with Chief Adam Dolby and members of the Blandford Volunteer Fire Department to deliver the pet oxygen mask kits and review the equipment and its intended use. The firefighters were all very excited to receive this equipment. During the visit, they connected the pet masks to their current oxygen lines and emergency manual resuscitator (bag valve mask), confirming the masks were compatible and ready to be put in use.

Nearly 30,000 fire incidents are reported across the Commonwealth each year, with almost half occurring in residential homes, making access to pet oxygen masks an important resource for first responders responding to emergencies involving companion animals.

This donation equips each department vehicle with a complete pet oxygen mask kit. Each kit includes three pet oxygen masks (small, medium, and large), so companion animals of all sizes can be assisted. The kits also include a training DVD and best-practice guidance to support emergency oxygen administration for pets suffering from smoke inhalation or other respiratory emergencies.

Paws Finding Peace commends the dedicated volunteer firefighters of the Blandford Fire Department for embracing this initiative and expanding the lifesaving services it provides to the community. Paws Finding Peace believes that supporting pets means supporting the communities that care for them.

As a locally owned and operated Western Mass. business, Paws Finding Peace provides compassionate, at-home euthanasia and water-based cremation services at its Chicopee Pet Aftercare Center. It regularly partners with local animal welfare organizations, veterinary professionals, and community groups to improve resources, expand education, and promote the health and well-being of companion animals throughout the area.

This donation was made possible through the partnership and support of the Massachusetts Veterinary Medical Assoc. Charities. Through its Pet Oxygen Mask Program, it works to equip fire departments throughout Massachusetts with specialized equipment, educational resources, and training materials to improve emergency outcomes for companion animals.