EATONTOWN – – A newly formed dog 4-H Club has launched its first community service project and hopes to raise enough money to provide emergency responders with equipment that will save the lives of pets in emergencies.
Paws 4 A Cause, which has some 15 members, is raising funds to provide oxygen masks designed for small animals to local fire departments, EMS units or other pet rescuers.
According to Lee Ann Tursi, leader of Paws 4 A Cause, oxygen masks for humans do not fit animals, and at least 30 percent of the oxygen is lost when rescuers attempt to use them on animals.
The club’s goal is to raise enough in funds to provide the pet oxygen masks to every fire department/EMS or pet rescue group in Monmouth County that wants the masks.
A set of three oxygen masks in various sizes (they will work on dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets, etc.) costs the club $55. Club members raised more than $165 in donations recently at the Monmouth County Fair.
Donations for the purchase of one or more sets can be earmarked for the fire department, EMS or other pet rescue group closest to the donor’s town that still needs the masks.
Best Friends Pet Care, parent company of All for the Doggies daycare centers in Shrewsbury and Marlboro, will match donations of up to 100 sets of masks within 15 miles of each of their two locations.
Donations can be sent to Lee Ann Tursi, 103 High St., Eatontown, NJ 07724. Checks should be made payable to: Paws 4 A Cause.
For more information, contact Tursi at (732) 935-0922 or by e-mail [email protected].